The times., 1897-03-15
TURKISH MINISTER TALKS
Blames Greece for InStigating
the Cretan InsurfectiOn.
SITUATION N0T THREATENING
Says That Radical Reforms Were
Impending When the Trouble Be-
gan aud That Only a-SinaIl Minor
ity of The Islanders Desire Annex-
ation With Greece.

Notwithsta njiing the fact that the powers
gave notice over a week ago that the
time had arrived when Greece should
quit Crete, the order has not been obeyed,
and the powers have been obliged TO look
passivcly on, while Col. Vassos still holis
the interior Of the island.
IL is believed, however. that England.
France and Italy are uSia,, every available
effort TO insure Crete's freedom from
Turkish rule, ana liberty TO ioin Greece
if she so desires. Also, that Gnly an as
surance OF real autonomy VIII restore
peace on the island
Unless something lis speedily Gone, how
ever, it is feared that blooCShed is inev-
itahle, as many thousands Of armed men
ale said to Toe facing each ether on the
Grecian and Turkish frontiers, only await
ing the slightest provocauon TO shed each
p;her's blood
The CIctan insurgents have only been
prevented from committing terrible mas
Bacres on the promise OF The consul that
autonomy would be granted them.
Moustapha Bey, the new representative
Of the Turkish government at Washington,
when questioned by a Times reporter last
night at the legation, No. 1908 New Hamp-
slhre avenue, in regard to the Eastern
problem, said:
II do not think the situation which at
times has looked threatening VIII result
in war In fact, am more than ever
impressed with the idea THAT peace viii
be restored on the island in very short
time. My government is and has always
been opposed to settling the present dis
pute by clash at arms This feeling
holds good, however, only so far as the
rights OF Turkish citizens and subjects are
not inteTfered with. If, ola the contrary,
that should occur, Turkey would be the
first nation to resent the injury and de-
mand reparation."
When questioned in regard to the an
neXauion OF Crete by Greece, the minister
said: 1t is a mistaken idea to suppose
that the Cretans desire annexation. The
revolutionary movement was started by
few Insurrectionists who emigrated to the
island from Greece. Greece has all along
acted in an unjustinahle manner to secure
the annexation Of Crete. The movement
was started hy it at time when a sys-
tenn of reforms, looking to the improve
ment OF the CretanS, was to 90 into effect.
These reforms, which Were r-FeaChinE
In their effect, and which had been fully
templated for the purpose of bettcring
the Creuan government, so far as 1T re-
lated to the police and judicial functions.
The Cretans We're most anxious that the
contemplated changes should be adopted,
when Greece, Unexpectedly, put stop
to any such arrangements, by sending its
lleet TO the island
The Cretans desiring annexation PCS
sibly number about $1,000, out OF a Pop
ulation OF over 100000 people. All of
the better classes, representing the prop
erty owners aud landed proprietors, are
violently opposed to it
The Crctans enjoy home rule and are
exempt from taxation. Neither are they
Obliged to furnish soldiers to the army;
and in many other ways enjoy immuai- |
ties which they would be forced to Teiin-
quish if they were obliged to submit TO the |
annexation proposed. 1t would there |
fore be folly for them TO enter into any |
such arrangement, and this fact is, a. |
have stated, fully recognized by the ma |
forty Of the CIetans, especially the Chris /
tians Ola the island.
Il am authorized 10y my government |
said the minister. ito officially deny all |
statements published in q telegram dated |
from Constantinople. on the 18th instant, !
20 the effect that fresh atrocities are |
threatened in Asia Minor: also, that Chris /
tians there are in a deplorahle condition /
and asserting that the situation III Payas /
IS extremely critical, and that bloodshed
has occurred in Everen. All OF these re-
ports are untrue and absolutely without
and / do not know how they
could have originated