The chapter describes the progressive break down of order and increase in intercommunal violence in 1895-7, leading to a form of autonomy. As the situation deteriorated the Powers (Britain, France, Russia, Italy) were sucked in, sending warships to help keep the peace, and taking on responsibility for governance and security in the large towns. Venizelos played a large part, largely diplomatic and political rather than military, once he concluded that he could no longer stand aside. He and a band of insurgents occupied the Akrotiri peninsula from which they were able to deal with the Powers' ships, the consuls, the Greek ships, and the local Christian population. The chief operators in this complex situation of insurgency were the consuls of the Powers, the Admirals who formed a governing Council for Crete, local Cretan leaders, and a Greek force under Colonel Vassos. The Greek and Cretan aim was union with Greece, but this was reduced to autonomy in deference to the Powers. The solution reached was evacuation of the Greek forces, and agreement on a form of autonomy for Crete, but not before Greece had invaded Thessaly and suffered a humiliating defeat by a Turkish army.