Middle East 517
MID#391
Dispute Number: 391
Date(s): September 6, 1898 to October 5, 1898
Participants: 200 United Kingdom, 220 France, 325 Italy, 365 Russia/640 Turkey
Outcome (and Settlement): Yield by side B (None)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: France, Britain, Russia, and Italy decided to intervene during unrest on the
island of Crete, which was then controlled by Turkey. British troops landed on the island
and clashed with Muslim civilians over the installation of Christian officials. Turkey did
not protest. The four European powers sent Turkey an ultimatum. Either leave Crete, or
an allied squadron would be sent to the Dardanelles. Turkey gave in to their demands.
MID#128
Dispute Number: 128
Date(s): November 15, 1905 to December 5, 1905
Participants: 200 United Kingdom, 220 France, 300 Austria-Hungary, 325 Italy, 365
Russia/640 Turkey
Outcome (and Settlement): Yield by side B (Negotiated)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: Macedonia had fallen prey to bandits and lawlessness by the early 1900s
and degenerated into a general uprising in 1903. Austria-Hungary and Russia sought
remedy by proposing the Murzsteg program of reforms, citing failures of the sultan
to pacify the region. An important part of the proposal called for Europe’s powers
to intervene in Macedonia and ultimately create a gendarmerie in lieu of the Turkish
policy of using Turkish troops in the region.
The Ottoman Empire resisted this proposal and worked to obstruct the powers from
carrying out their task in spite of previous assurances reluctantly given by the sultan
to ensure its execution. As a result, the gendarmerie proved incapable of restoring
law and order, and Turkey kept its troops there. The British played a heavy hand
in instigating the matter further, inducing Austria and Russia to formulate another
scheme for international financial control. It hoped to help the gendarmerie and bring
meaningful financial reforms to the area. Turkey refused. The powers responded with
a naval demonstration and an occupation of the customs houses at Mytilene, which
was extended to Lemnos on December 5. The sultan eventually yielded later that eve-
ning, allowing four European financial experts to assist the Austrian and Russian civil
agents in Salonika. However, this international commission, for the meantime, was to
have no executive powers.
Coding changes: Start Date changed from January 11, 1905. End Date changed from
December 6, 1905.
MID#156
Dispute Number: 156
Date(s): February 1906 to May 14, 1906