What diplomacy had failed to achieve over many years was accomplished by war. With the outbreak of the Balkan Wars in October 1912, the doors of the Hellenic Parliament were opened to the Cretan deputies, who were received with unprecedented demonstrations of enthusiasm.
On 14 February 1913, the flags of the Great Powers and of the Ottoman Empire were lowered from the Fortress of Souda. The successful outcome of the war brought with it the long-awaited resolution of the Cretan Question. By the Treaty of London (30 May 1913), the Sultan renounced his rights over Crete in favour of the four states of the Balkan League, pending settlement among the victors. By the Treaty of Athens (14 November 1913), concluded between Greece and the Ottoman Empire, the Sultan relinquished all rights of suzerainty over Crete in favour of Greece.
The official proclamation of the Union of Crete with Greece took place on 1 December 1913, with the raising of the Greek flag over the Firka Fortress in Chania, in the presence of King Constantine and Prime Minister Eleftherios Venizelos.