Papers written by Curzon on the Near and Middle East [‎84r] (167/348)

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securing an honourable and lasting peace. They are profoundly convinced that, what
ever be the immediate result of renewal of conflict between Greek and Turkish
forces in Asia Minor, there are not to be found therein the prospects either of any
enduring pacification of the East or of a solution compatible with the real interests and
ultimate capacities of either party. The belligerents themselves will possibly not
dissent from Allied Governments in this definition of the objects which they should
hold in view, and any result which fails to attain them, even if it brings a temporary
advantage to one or other party, will be stamped with ultimate failure. In the
circumstances, Allied Governments feel that they are only discharging an international
duty, as well as an obligation of friendship, if they inform Greek Government at this
critical juncture, before hostilities are reopened, that, if Hellenic Government is
disposed to place its interests in their hands, they are prepared to attempt task of
conciliation. Should Greek Government decide that they are not prepared to accept
outside intervention or advice, the Allied Powers cannot persevere in an action which
would obviously be fruitless. In such a case the responsibility for consequences of
renewed struggle will rest exclusively on Greeks themselves.
“ On the other hand, should Hellenic Government decide, in its own interests, to
accept intervention of the Powers, the latter will be prepared to state frankly to Greek
Government the terms upon which their assistance will be proffered, and, in the event
of these being accepted, to approach Turkish Government with a view to immediate
suspension of hostilities and to negotiations for conclusion of peace.
“ An identic telegram is being sent to your colleagues at Athens, and you should
immediately join with them in making this proposal to Greek Government and in
inviting from them a prompt reply.”
(Sent to Athens, No. 1 ; repeated to Foreign Office, Rome and Constantinople.)
Appendix III.
Lord Hardinge to Sir E. Crowe.—{Received June 19.)
(No. 386.)
(Telegraphic.) R. Paris, June 19, 1921.
Following from Lord Curzon for Sir E. Crowe :—
“ Agreement was reached this morning with French by which General Harington
will assume immediate command of Allied troops in Constantinople, necessary
instructions being sent by French Government to General Charpy.
“ It was further agreed that military commission should supervise three sub
commissions—
“ 1 . Sub-commission of control, presided over by an Italian officer.
“ 2 . Sub-commission of gendarmerie, presided over by a French officer.
3.. Sub-commission of ‘ special elements,’ presided over by a British officer.
It also agreed that post of permanent secretary-general of financial commission
should be attributed to a Frenchman and post of inspector-general of customs to a
British official ; a third analogous post will probably be devised for an Italian in order
to maintain the principle of equal distribution.
“ The Italian Ambassador here was unable to accept above arrangement without
instructions from Rome, but is submitting them immediately to his Government, and I
do not apprehend any difficulty on their part.
“ Please inform War Office.”
(Repeated to Rome and Constantinople.)