Chargé Wilson to the Secretary of State.
Athens , August 22, 1905 .
Sir:
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I have the honor to report that the state of affairs in Crete appears to be growing more serious, and the minister of foreign affairs told me the other day that the insurgents were increasing rapidly in numbers.
About ten days ago an engagement took place between the Russian troops and the insurgents, caused by the Russians attempting to take a custom-house held by the latter. The insurgents fired upon the landing party of Russians, whereupon the Russian cruiser bombarded and nearly destroyed the town. More recently two more collisions have taken place between the international troops and the insurgents. In one attack five Cretans were killed and eight wounded, and one Russian killed. In the other fight, between the English and Cretans, some were wounded on both sides.
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I have, etc.,