The troubles between Turkey and Greece do not show any signs of reaching a peaceful settlement. In fact, from the news this week, the Powers seem to be growing angrier as the days go by.
England has boldly declared that she will never allow Thessaly to be placed under Turkish rule again.
It is said that the British Ambassador, Sir Philip Currie, told this to Tewfik Pasha, the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, in the presence of Monsieur Nelidoff, the Russian Ambassador.
Sir Philip Currie is reported to have stated the decision of his Government in such very determined words, that both the Turkish and Russian Ministers were speechless with surprise. Tewfik Pasha listened in silence, while the Englishman announced that unless Turkey gave back Thessaly to Greece, Great Britain would withdraw from the concert of the Powers. The Turkish Minister could not conceal his surprise and dismay, but left the room without making any reply, the Russian Minister following him.
A few days later the Turkish Cabinet met in council, and after a very long discussion they decided that under the circumstances it was impossible for Turkey to leave Thessaly, and that, as Turkey is in possession of Thessaly, and able to wait patiently while the terms of peace are being arranged, there is no need to take any immediate steps in the matter.
The council decided to continue preparations for war, so that, if terms of peace cannot be arranged, Turkey will be ready for any emergency.
The next time Tewfik Pasha met the Ambassadors after his conversation with Sir Philip Currie, he was able to say that his Government would not give up Thessaly.
The Powers made answer that Thessaly must be given up, and that the Turks must retire to their own side of the frontier immediately.
Finding that the Powers remained firm, the Sultan ventured on an act so bold and astonishing, that Europe has not yet recovered from it.
He appealed to the Czar of Russia and the Emperor of Germany, asking them to help him in his efforts to make Thessaly a part of the Ottoman Empire.