There is a great deal of European money in Turkey, and, shameful as it may seem, it would appear that this money has played a very important part in the action of the Powers, a part far above and beyond the fear they all have, that if Turkey is beaten and the empire divided, some one country may seize a larger slice of the plunder than another.
Turkey, as we have said before, is bankrupt, and to be able to carry on her government at all she has had to borrow enormous sums from the rich men of Europe.
These men fear that if Turkey is defeated they will lose the money they have lent, and it is openly said that they have been the means of hampering Greece, until Turkey has had time to gather enough forces together to crush her.
The people of Europe are indignant that the Powers are doing Turkey's work for her in Crete, and making it possible for her to bring all her forces together against the Greeks, instead of having to divide them as the Greeks have.
The unfriendliness of the Powers toward Greece is shown in a suggestion, which it was said was the German Emperor's, to blockade the Greek fleet, keep it in one of its own ports, and prevent it from assisting the army.
This proposal was made after war had been declared.
Germany was supported in this plan by Russia and Austria, and it is said that the Emperors were so sure of being able to carry their plan through that they told Turkey she might send all the arms she needed to the seaports, as they would be perfectly safe from the Greeks.
The rest of the Powers would not hear of this, which was something to their credit. They spoke so very plainly about it that the three Emperors gave it up.
Greece is in a most unfortunate position, thanks to the interference of the Powers, and unless something happens to turn the tide of war in her favor, she will probably be utterly defeated by the Turks.