Evening star., 1897-03-25
British Warships Will Not Join in
Blockading Greece.
FRANCE, IT is SAID, MAY FOLLOW SUIT
Halt Called for the Present in the
Measures of Coercion.
ZONE Is PROPOSED
Copyright. 1897. by the Associated PresS)

Copyright. 1897, by the Associated Press)
CONSTANTINOPLE, March -. - The
change in the policy of Great Britain fore
shadowed in these dispa tches yesterday.
has assumed definite shape. The recent
massacre of Armenians at Toka-, the
danger of further outbreaks in Anatolia
and the action of the porte in semi-ofticial-
ly pointing out to the Turkish press and
provincial officials that the blockade of the
Island of Crete by the fleets of the powers
and the support given to he Turkish forces
by the foreign fleets was a triumph for the
policy of the sultan, have had their effect
in showing that the Christians in Armenia
are in danger of determination
Consequently it is seni-officialy stated
here that the British admiral in Cre;an
waters has been notified not to send any
warships of Great Britain 20 take part in
the proposed blockade of the ports OF
Ifeece: AT the same time, in order. ap-
parently, to avoid an open rupture with the
powers, Great Britain will "acquesce' in
the bloc kade of the Greek ports.
According 10 the reports in diplomatic
circles here the powers nave already peen
notified to this effect, and The Withdrawal
Oh Great Britain from the block lie is the
one subject discussed toby in court and
other circles
The sultan's advisers are making the best
OF the situation by pointing to th. fact that
Great Britain does not constitute the whole
of Europe. and thai 50 long the sultan
has the support of Russia. France. Ger
many and Austria lie mas nothing to tear
from Great Britain.
France May Follow Suit.
1t is whispered that France Will in all
probability follow the example of Great
Britain. France it is explained could read
lily take this step without disturbing 20 any
appreciabie degree her accord with Rus
sia, and il is added that, in any case the
french government would not risk takir z
part ir the blockade Of Greece, which would
be an act of war. without first cons, ,Iiting
the chamber of deputies, whose approval OF
the coercion policy is regarded here. as he
lfIS far from certain
1t is stated that Great Britain has mil
n ated TO the powers that if Greece is block
AIDED steps should also be taken TO block
ade the principal Turkish ports. This latest
move of Great Britain in the eastern gam.
has undoubtedly called halt for the ;,re..-
eEt IN the coerciVe measures and may If
IL saiu, prlng about their abandonment
Neutral Zone Proposed.
In the meanwhile, in view of the imni-
neht danger of clash On the frontiers OF
Greece, which may bring about a declara-
tlon of war between Greece and Turkey
Great Britain has definitely proposed 10 rho
powers that steps be taken to induce. both
turkey and Greece TO Withdraw their forces
nan a mile from the actual frontier thus
leaving a mile of neutral ground between
tie opposing armies.
Greece, il is explained had nreyior.ty
MADE similar proposal to the Turkish
government, but the porte consulted with
the ambassadors of Russia and Germany
SEEMINGLY the foremost friends of Turkey
AT the present juncture with the resnit
'hat the repre- resentatives of these powers
ADVISED the Turkish government TO decline
the offer. ~ "eNiiiie
Inc turkish squadron, it is reported has
oee'i ordefed TO cruise in the Aegean sea