Mr. Morris to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I was in error in stating, in my dispatch No. 277, that the Turkish minister at Athens had been already recalled, and that the Greek minister here had received his passports. The recall of the former and the dismissal of the latter depend upon the rejection of the ultimatum sent hence to the Turkish minister at Athens for presentation to the Greek government. This ultimatum requires the Greek government to prevent the expedition of volunteers from Greece to Crete, to facilitate the return of the emigrated Cretans to their homes, and to compel the supply blockade-runner, the Enosis or Union, which provisions the insurgent forces in Crete, to cease her trips to that island.
I think it very doubtful if the Greek government will accede to thisultimatum. Its acquiescence in the same would perhaps cause civil warin Greece, so strongly enlisted are the national sympathies in favor ofCrete. Should the ultimatum be rejected, the provisions of the imperialdecree referred to in my last will be put in force. The answer of theGreek government is expected within the next 24 hours.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.