Greeks in America - eBooks4Greeks.gr

EUROPEAN BACKGROUND 29economic support from Greece if Constantine returned.In February, 1921, representatives of theEntente met in conference in London, the representativesof Greece, headed by Premier Kalogeropoulos,and the two Turkish delegations,—one of theSultan's government headed by Twefik Pasha, theother of the Nationalist at Angora headed by BekirSami Bey. The powers offered to mediate betweenthe Greeks and Turks and settle their differences,sending special commissioners to Smyrna andThrace to determine the relative strength of thevarious elements there. Neither party would acceptthe offer and fighting started early in the spring of1921 and continued all summer. Premier Gounarisof Greece visited the entente capitals to find loans,and to discuss and prepare grounds for possiblepeace terms with Turkey. The results of his visitare not known. If no terms can be found for a definitepeace, war will continue, and the unfortunateNear East people have to face further devastation,bloodshed and suffering. France has recognized theNationalist government under Kemal and evacuatedCilicia, for v/hich France had a mandate from theLeague of Nations. She has also received favorableeconomic and other concessions from the Kemalists.The French evacuation has exposed the Christiansthere again to massacre and outrage. The Armenianshave taken refuge in Syria, Greek territory,Constantinople and other places of safety. ManyGreeks have left Cilicia. The withdrawal of Frenchtroops set free numerous Turkish troops, so thatGreece has stronger forces to face if the war continues.But the morale and equipment of the Greekforces is excellent. Both sides have economic difficulties,but Kemal is in the worst plight. Thus far,he has to a great extent, depended upon plunderingand confiscating the properties of the Christiansand others he executes, massacres or deports.