‘The Capitulations. What they are, and what effect their abolition will have upon the status of British subjects in Turkey, upon their interests, their liberties and upon British trade generally.’ [‎8v] (16/28)

14
for, though we are to-day the Turks’ best friends, this friendship may be
transferred to-morrow to the Russians, Germans, and even to their worst
enemies of to-day.
As far as prohibition is concerned, attempt to modify its application.
Appear to accept it to satisfy the amour propre of the Turks, but secure free
importation by supplementary conditions. At the worst, give way on the
subjects of spirits, brandy and liqueurs, but retain liberty for salutary drinks
and wines of all sorts; in the event of a wholesale return of stocks, insist
on a refund of all customs duty paid.
Finally, attempts to safeguard the interests of our navigation, our hospitals,
our schools, our firms, and the respect of our trade marks .
Never be content with verbal assurances however friendly or effusive;
obtain precise guarantees in writing.
And even if all these wishes are realised, the economic future of France
in Turkey will be dark with clouds.
Constantinople,
5th October, 1922.
Note .—After the publication of this memorandum a copy fell into the
hands of the Turkish Nationalist Government, who used their influence with
the French High Commission in Constantinople to have it withdrawn. It
was repudiated by the French Chamber; subsequently the Chairman after
35 years’ service, sent in his resignation.
MEMORANDUM ISSUED BY THE NATIONALIST GOVERNMENT
IN ANGORA WITH RESPECT TO LOANS, TREATIES, CON
VENTIONS, etc., MADE BY THE TURKISH GOVERNMENT
IN CONSTANTINOPLE.
The Council of Commissaries of the Government of Angora, through the
medium of the Commissary for Foreign Affairs, has issued under date of 8th
October, 1922, the following communique to the Nationalist Representatives
abroad to be brought to the notice of the Powers to which they are accredited.
The national representative at Constantinople has also been instructed to
transmit it to the Sublime Porte.
This is the text of the Communique.
All Treaties Conventions, Concessions, as well as all forms of official
engagements entered into or to be entered into by the Sublime Porte since
the 16th March,1920, without the knowledge of the Grand National Assembly
ot Angora will be regarded as null and void. y
that alMoT° re ’ i iS br0U8 J ht t0 th L kno J wled8e of the part'es interested
that all loans or advances made or to be made to the Constantinople Govern
ment by certain financial establishments will also be regarded as null and void.
for nMnce 0 ” mUniqU4 ' S ° n ^ baS ‘ S ° f 3 rep ° rt ° f the Commissary
Signed : Youssouf Kemal.
Commissary for Foreign Affairs of the Grand
National Assembly of Angora.