File No. 871/7.
Minister Jackson to the Secretary of State.
Athens, December 15, 1906.
Sir: Referring to my dispatch No. 474, of the 4th instant, I have the honor to report that the Cretan general assembly adjourned on December 12, after having adopted a constitution which is characterized as “liberal and parliamentary,” which will now be submitted for approval to the Governments of the four protecting powers. Before adjourning, a telegram was sent by the assembly to the president of the Greek Chamber of Deputies, announcing the adoption of the constitution, sending a fraternal salute, and expressing the hope that it would not be long before the national wishes are realized and the “elect of the nation united in one assembly.” A reply couched in similar terms was sent from Athens.
On December 12 the Greek Chamber passed (finally) the bill authorizing Greek officers to take service in the Cretan gendarmerie, in accordance with the concessions made by the powers last summer, and certain officers (Major Montferratos, artillery, who is to command the gendarmerie; two captains of engineers and one of infantry; and two infantry lieutenants and one of artillery) left for Crete yesterday. The Italian gendarmes are expected to leave on December 31, and it is thought probable that a portion of the international garrison will leave soon thereafter.
If the constitution as passed by the Cretan assembly is acceptable to the powers, it will be put into effect at once. If not, the assembly will be reconvened in order to consider the powers’ objections.
I have, etc.,