Papers written by Curzon on the Near and Middle East [‎82r] (163/348)

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M. Briand replied that he could not enlighten him on this point, as he had refused
to discuss the matter with Bekir Sami.
With regard to the tripartite agreement, it was necessary to find a new formula,
for the Italians would be ready to yield the letter but not the substance of the
agreement.
W ith regard to the (Constantinople command, he said that French opinion was
insistent that the French position in Turkey should be safeguarded, but he had no
doubt that the matter could be resolved at once.
M. Berthelot said that the Italians would resist unless some guarantees were
provided, such as possibly an undertaking by Great Britain and France not to seek
concessions in the Italian zone.
Lord Curzon said he understood M. Berthelot to propose replacing the Allied
agreement by an undertaking as between gentlemen, a suggestion in which he
concurred.
There followed some further discussion of the question of command.
Lord Curzon pointed out that the obligations of the Allies to protect the Christian
minorities under the tripartite agreement could not be ignored, and that the advantages
conferred thereby were inseparable from the responsibilities it imposed.
M. Briand agreed, but pointed out that it was impossible to protect the Armenians
everywhere.
Lord Curzon reiterated the views of His Majesty’s Government relative to the
protection of minories.
Further discussion ensued about the tripartite agreement. M. Briand pointed
out that should this prove to be the sole obstacle to peace Italy’s refusal could not be
maintained.
Lord Curzon thought that the situation was rendered easier by the fact that the
agreement had never been ratified.
He then asked whether M. Briand would examine his proposal relative to Thrace,
since His Majesty’s Government could not go beyond it.
M. Briand thought that it would not satisfy the Turks, and suggested a return to
the Commission of Enquiry originally suggested in London.
Lord Curzon said this would ensure failure at Athens.
M. Briand thought the Greeks would accept if they really wanted peace, but
agreed that the final form of the Thracian solution could only be arrived at when the
negotiations had begun. p
L<jrd Curzon asked what the French Government would say if the Greeks
demanded the recognition of King Constantine as the price of their acceptance.
M. Briand did not believe they would do so, but added that in no case could the
French acknowledge King Constantine.
June 18, 5 p.m.
The Italian Ambassador, Signor Galli and xYl. Kammererwere also present.
M. Briand explained the general proposals to the Italian Ambassador, but suggested
a revival of the plan for Commission of Enquiry for Thrace should Lord Curzon’s
proposal be refused.
The Italian Ambassador agreed to the proposal as regards Smyrna and to a
Commission for Thrace.
Lord Curzon supplemented M. Briand’s explanation. He pointed out that if the
Greeks refused at the start, nothing more could be done, and the responsibility would
rest on them His Majesty’s Government could not, he said, go further than the
demilitarisation of a zone beyond Chatalja With regard to action at Athens he
proposed drafting a preliminary invitation ; the actual proposals .would only be
submitted at a further stage.
The Italian Ambassador explained that he was not empowered to accept anything,
but would immediately consult his Government. He must, however, make the fullest
reservations as to the abrogation or modification of the tripartite agreement.