Molotov

L1898 wrote:- 700 Greeks and 15 Englishmen are slaughtered by the Turks in Heraklion, Greece.

The Russian Empire expresses her disgust and anger at the actions of the Turks in Crete, so soon after the Treaty of Constantinople. We await the reaction of and discussions with our fellow Great Powers on the matter - but suffice to say, this is a grave violation of the treaty and international norms, particularly as some reportsinclude the British consul among the dead.

While the loss of life in Crete is a tragic , Germany, and perhaps other powers, would like to hear the Turkish side of the situation before adding comment.

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland strongly condemns this horrific murder of our diplomats, as well as the massacre of free Christian Greeks, by Turkish militiamen. It is a flagrant violation both of the rights of civilised men and of the Treaty of Constantinople, which guaranteed Turkish withdrawal from Crete and autonomy for the island and its people. We will be acting, in accordance with the Treaty, as guarantor of its provisions, and call upon the French Republic and Russian Empire, fellow guarantors of the Treaty, to join us in this endeavour. Turkish forces must immediately withdraw from Crete, and compensation must be paid to the families of the murdered British subjects.

The French government stands in solidarity with the British government in the mater of Crete. The actions taken by he Ottoman government are inexcusable, and we heartily suggest that they provide an explanation and suitable compensation to the British government before their situation becomes untenable.

Because the Turks have chosen to remain silent on the slaughter that took place on Crete,and grasp at the straws of their former glory, Germany believes that the massacre that took place in Heraklion should be answered for. Germany believes the British family's affected should be compensated for the loss of their loved ones in this brutal episode, and that the treaty of Constantinople should be honored by the Ottoman government.

Given the lack of response by the Sublime Porte to their actions against the Britons and Greeks in Crete, the guarantors undersigned demand that the Ottoman Empire immediately withdraw all troops and official representatives from the island of Crete. Prince George of Greece is to become High Commissioner under the supervision of the undersigned Powers, and all claims of Ottoman suzerainty over the aforementioned Island relinquished & declared null and void.

Hereby signed,
(on behalf of Her Majesty, Queen Victoria)
Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, 3rd Marquess of Salisbury

Signed on behalf of the Russian Empire by Count Mikhail Nikolayevich Muravyov, Foreign Minister of the Russian Empire

Hereby signed,
Emile Loubet
President of the Third French Republic