On Monday King George of Greece accepted the proposal for
the convocation of a National Assembly,—a proposal made by M. Venezelo, the well-known Cretan politician, whose advice had been sought by the Military League. IL Stephen Dragoumis undertook the task of forming a new Cabinet. According to the Greek Constitution, a National Assembly cannot be summoned unless it is recommended by two suc- cessive Parliaments. But it is generally felt that Parlia- mentary elections must be avoided within the next few months, as the Cretans have announced their firm resolve to elect and send Deputies to the Greek Chamber. If these Deputies were received at Athens, there would almost cer- tainly be war with Turkey. There does not seem to be any real need for a National Assembly, and the reforms it would introduce would not be particularly important. But the Military League, which is like an old man of the sea on the back of all the political parties, has announced its intention of ceasing to exist if a National Assembly is summoned, and on no other condition. That is a sufficient explanation of the general agreement upon this course. Meanwhile the Porte has sent a Note to the Powers in. which the Situation is described as critical. The Greek Government has formally declared that the proposed National Assembly will not include any Cretans, but Turkey apparently is doubtful of Greek good faith and fears a violation of her suzerainty over Crete.
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