On April 16th Turkey formally declared war upon Greece.
The reason given by Turkey was that Greek troops had taken part in the last raid made by the brigands, and that therefore Greece had already commenced war.
In his letter stating his reasons for declaring war, the Sultan said he hoped the Powers would agree with him that Greece was really to blame for his action.
Greece has been hoping that she could force Turkey to declare war, that she might escape from the penalties threatened by the Powers if she was the first to begin the fight. She is now free from any further fear that they will blockade her ports, and can fight the enemy without interference.
The various Consuls and Ministers have been recalled to Turkey from Greece, and the Sultan has issued
an order that all Greeks must leave Turkish territory within fifteen days.
The fighting has been very furious on both sides.
The war broke out in two different places. On the west coast of Turkey is the Gulf of Arta. Here the Greek war-ships have bombarded the town of Preveza, and reduced it to ashes.
Farther inland a Greek force has crossed the border into Epirus, and driven the Turks before it. The Greeks are endeavoring to march on to Janina, the capital of Epirus. Epirus is one of the Greek provinces which King George desires to win back for his country.
On the frontier of Macedonia the Greeks have not been so successful, for the Turks have won from them a very important mountain pass, the Pass of Milouna, which opens the plains of Larissa to them.