blot upon Turkish history, but the policy of the New Turk will render the
life of the Christian element impossible.
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES
(1) Turkish massacres are always carried out by order of superior
authorities. This is a well-known principle and the way in which various
historic massacres have been conducted abundantly proves it. Such
was the case at Smyrna, and Mustapha Kemal's statement that he could
not control his troops is false. It is a curious fact that the Turk is still able
to deceive Europeans, despite long observation of his tactics. It is
probable that one emphatic world to the Turkish commander by the
French Admiral would have stopped the massacre and all the horrors
that followed.
(2) It should be borne in mind that it has been for some time the
policy of the Turkish nationalists to exterminate and eliminate the native
Christian element in Turkey. Any one forming plans for future business
or diplomatic relations with Turkey should bear this in mind and be fully
aware of the changed conditions in the country.
(3) Kemalism has been built up by the Allies by their weakness and
dissension. The conduct of France has been one of faithlessness to
the Allies, with the purpose of obtaining concessions, and undermining
British influence in the Near East. Great Britain, on account of labor
opposition and Mussulman unrest in India, is obliged to swallow this
bitter pill, with the hope that concessions to Kemal will quiet the
Mussulmans of India. This is a mistake and has been a mistaken policy
from the beginning. The entry of the Kemalists into Constantinople will
arouse the Mussulmans of India beyond control.
(4) Constantinople is today as it was at the time of its fall the outer
bulwark of Europe against the hordes of Asia, and once it is given over
to the Turk, he will commence a war of conquest upon the Balkan States,
-if not today, tomorrow, and if not this year, next year, and the peace of
Europe will be perpetually in danger. The Turk is a race who has no
interests in the arts of peace and who knows nothing but war and
conquest. It is impossible for him to refrain from warlike operations.
Any plans made on his promises or on any different suppositions are
doomed to disappointment, and statesmen who form any schemes for
the future on any different basis are building on a false foundation.
I am unfortunately but a simple official, not occupying an exalted
position, and my words will perhaps not bear great weight, but I know
whereof I am speaking and some who read these lines will live to see
them verified.
OBSERVATION:
The men between the ages of eighteen and forty-five, who are today
being torn from their wives, sisters, mothers and children, amid pitiful
scenes that only a DeQuincey could describe, and being driven away
by the Turks to perish by slow starvation and exposure, are the peaceful
farmers of Asia Minor and the citizens of Smyrna who were never in
sympathy with the government of Constantine and who are in no ways
responsible for the fearful fate which has befallen them. This unrighteous
act is being carried out without even a word of protest by any civilized
government.
I have the honor to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
American Consul General, Smyrna
160 and 161
|
