THE EARL OF KIMBERLEYI wish to ask the noble Marquess a Question of which I have given him private notice—whether it is true that the Greek Government have announced their intention to withdraw their troops from Crete, and whether it is true that they have asked the Powers to mediate between them and the Turkish Government?
*THE PRIME MINISTER (The MARQUESS of SALISBURY)If I were to answer the noble Earl in the negative to both Questions I should be strictly accurate, but yet I might mislead him; and therefore I will give one word in explanation. The Greek Government have not asked for mediation, but the members of the Greek Government have expressed a desire for it, and I do not think the Greek Government intend officially, as a whole, to ask for it. With respect, to Crete, there is the same indefiniteness in the present state of things. The Greek Government do not conceive it to be consistent, as I gather, with their position, to promise the immediate or definite withdrawal of the troops. Hut I understand, though we have not got absolutely official confirmation of it, they are prepared to say that they will withdraw them in the future, and at no very distant future. I am sorry to say that, as we stand at present, I do not think that this assurance entirely satisfies all the Powers. However, I have only to answer for ourselves, and our instructions have been to join in any procedure for the purpose of entering on mediation which is acceptable to the others. In our view the main point is, if possible, to arrest the effusion of blood, and we are not very particular about forms. That is all I can say at present. I regret exceedingly that the Greek Government is more particular about forms than I think the circumstances of the case justify.[Cheers.]