As we told you last week, the people of France were not willing to take part in any severe measures against Greece; the Government was quite willing, but dared not make any promises without the consent of the Chamber of Deputies (the French Congress).
The Powers decided to wait until the Prime Minister had had time to ask the Chamber of Deputies if it was willing to support the Government.
At the last meeting the Minister put the question to the Chamber—saying that the Government had decided that the proper course for France would be to remain in the concert of the Powers, and insist that Greece withdraw her troops from Crete.
Much discussion followed the Minister's speech. It had been expected that the Chamber of Deputies would refuse, and insist upon a change in the Government. To the surprise of everybody, a vote was passed, approving the policy of the Government, and agreeing to uphold it.
So France joins her voice with those of the other Powers, and calls on Greece to give in.
After the Chamber of Deputies adjourned, orders were sent to Toulon, a seaport on the Mediterranean Sea, at the south of France, ordering soldiers at once to Crete.
The Admirals of the allied fleets have received orders to blockade the ports of Crete; and if this fails to make the Greeks obedient to the wishes of the Powers, the Piræus and the ports of Greece are also to be blockaded.
On receipt of these orders the Admirals proceeded to put them into effect, and the Cretan ports are now blockaded.