The Turkish Government took a very serious step on Thurs-
day week by expressing through the Turkish Minister at Athens their lack of confidence in the assurances of the Greek Government as regards Crete. The Turkish Government, according to a summary of the communication supplied by the Athens correspondent of the Times, pointed out that the presence of Greek officers in Macedonia made them sceptical as to the intentions of the Greek Government elsewhere, and they therefore required "categorical assurances that the Greek Government cherishes no intention of annexing or invading Crete and will disavow any act which could be mterpreted as proof of such intention. Failing the receipt of such assurances the Ottoman Minister and the First Secretary in Athens will be recalled on unlimited leave." The Greek answer was that Greece had proved her good faith by her enthusiastic sympathy with the new form of govern- ment in Turkey ; that she intended to remain on good terms. with Turkey and had no improper ambitions in Crete ; but that in treating on this matter Turkey must address herself directly to the four protecting Powers. Simultaneously, the representatives of Britain, France, Italy, Germany, and Austria-Hungary in Constantinople offered moderating counsels to the Porte. We welcome the aid of Germany and Austria-Hungary in helping the Turkish Government to restrain—for that is what it amounts to—a hot-headed forward movement of the Turkish people. But the whole situation is complicated by the action of the Cretan Executive Committee in keeping the Greek flag flying on the fort at Canes.
