Papers written by Curzon on the Near and Middle East [‎47r] (93/348)

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The Allies have fully weighed their conflicting considerations and have agreed
upon a settlement which, while placing a carefully defined area securely undei Giccv
administration, safeguards Turkish access to the port of Smyrna and preserves
Turkish suzerainty over the whole region during a period fully sufficient tor the true
wishes of the population to find expression.
10. The economic provisions of the Turkish Treaty are in general harmony with
those approved in the treaties with the other enemy Powers. With particular regard
to concessions in the former Turkish Empire these were, as is well known not
infrequently obtained by dubious means, and in conditions consistent with the ost
development of the areas where they were located. The eventual light to cancel
concessions has only been provided for in territories which are to be placed under the
tutelage of the Principal Allied Powers. It has been felt unfair necessarily to
saddle these new States with burdens which they have no voice in incurring. All
that is sought in the present Treaty is the right inherent in every sovereign State to
cancel or resume concessions incompatible with the interests of the State; but in an\
such eventuality the fullest provision is made for the indemnification, it necessary
by wav of arbitration, of the concessionaire. With regard to the general financial
4 ? provisions of the Treaty, the aim of the Treaty is to protect Turkey from the exploita^-
tion to which she is exposed by her financial necessities, and to establish a sound
system of finance which will enable her to meet her obligations and to reap herself
. the advantage of her economic possibilities. , tt -i. i
* 11 Finally, the Allied Governments take this opportunity of assuring the l nited
States Government that the Allied Governments have in no way sought by the
territorial changes and arangements provided for in the T urkish treaty to place
corporations or citizens in a privileged position as compared with American citizens
or corporations. They feel, however, that they would lie lacking in candour if they .
did not point that as they are precluded from undertaking obligations on behalf
of non-signatory Powers, so also are they unable to stipulate conditions in then
favour.
San Remo, April 26, 1920.
ARMENIA.
(Confidential.)
Despatch to President Wilson.
(Approved by the Supreme Council at San Remo on April 26, 1920.
I.C.P.-109 (2).)
•
IN the note of this date which is being addressed to the United States Govern
ment in response to the note of the latter, dated the 26th March,* a passing reference
alone has been made to the subject of Armenia, and a statement is added that a
separate* communication will be made to the United States Government on the
subject. The following are the views which it is the desire of the Supreme Council
to submit for the consideration of that Government .
U' At an ear iy s tage in the discussions which have been proceeding with regard
' > t0 t h e Turkish Treaty, first in London and afterwards in Paris, an enquiry was
r # addressed by the Allied Conference to the Council of the League of Nations, who-
were known to be greatly interested in the future of Armenia, as to what might be
the decree of assistance that they would be prepared to offer towards the realisation
of the independence and security of the projected Armenian State.
It was not contemplated to invite the League of Nations itself to assume a
mandate for Armenia for the sufficient reason that that body is neither a State nor
has the army or the finances to enable it to discharge such a duty. The Council of
the League in their reply, while indicating the fullest sympathy with the object of
the Allied Powers, themselves pointed out that this could best be assured if either a
member of the League or some other Power could be found willing to accept the
mandate for Armenia. . , . , . , .
The Supreme Council, in considering this reply, were at once reminded of the
conviction long entertained by them that the only great Power which is qualified
* See C.P. 1190.