Vol. 1 April 1, 1897. No. 21
Greece is certainly the most daring little kingdom!
Far from being alarmed by the message sent her from the Powers, she has replied that it is impossible for her to withdraw her troops from Crete. She states that her object in sending them there was to restore peace, and as serious troubles still exist in the island, she cannot comply with the request of the Powers.
In the reply, she further states that she cannot consent to Home Rule for Crete under the direction of Turkey, but is willing to leave it to the Cretans themselves to decide under the rule of what monarch they wish to be.
The Powers are surprised and angry that Greece should dare to disagree with them; but the reply has been written in such a careful manner that it is not an open defiance of their wishes. They cannot therefore send the second note of which we spoke in our last number, but have had to call for a fresh discussion of the matter.
The general idea is that the reply of Greece is very clever, and that it may be the means of preventing a war, because it is so reasonable in its tone that Europe cannot find in it an excuse for getting angry enough to declare war.
The reply of Greece opens a way for further discussion, which may lead to a settlement.
There is a good deal of sly diplomacy under this soft answer.
The great combination which is called the Powers, consists of six nations: Germany, France, Italy, Russia, Austria, and Great Britain. It is necessary for these six nations to agree before any action can be taken by them. As a matter of fact, they are very far from agreeing. Greece, it seems, is well aware of this, and relies on it to help her get her own way in the end.