There is once more a prospect of a settlement of the Greek question.
After the rejection of Lord Salisbury's plan, about which we told you last week, it seemed as if matters would again be brought to a standstill. England refused to consent to any plan that did not include the withdrawal of Turkish troops from Thessaly, and Germany would not listen to any arrangement that did not include the full control of the Greek Treasury.
The Russian Minister, fearing another long delay, appealed to England, and demanded that she should agree to Germany's plan, or propose some other that would be agreeable to all the parties concerned.
Lord Salisbury therefore made a new proposal to this effect. The Powers should take control of the revenues set aside by Greece for the payment of the war debt to Turkey, and that yet another sum should be handed over to the Powers to secure the payment of her other debts.
The proposal also stated that when Greece had put the funds into the hands of the Powers, Turkey was immediately to recall her troops from Thessaly.
The ambassadors all agreed to accept this plan, which, in truth, gave both Germany and England the points they desired. After the foreign Ministers had decided to accept it, it was shown informally to Tewfik Pasha.
This official also appeared satisfied with the arrangements, and gave the ambassadors to understand that when it was formally presented to him he would be able to accept it in the name of the Sultan.
It is therefore expected that the details of the peace treaty will be settled in a very few days.
Greece, the country most interested in this settlement, is the party least satisfied with the arrangement.
It is felt in Athens that the terms of the peace are very hard ones. The frontier question has been so settled that Greece is powerless to defend herself against the Turks if they should declare war on her again. The mountain passes and the important places in the mountain ranges will be in the hands of the Turks, and Greece will lie at the foot of the hills, a ready prey to any army that may descend on her from the heights.