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fTHIS DOCUMENT I S THE PROPERTY OF' HIS BRITANNIC HAJSSTYZ-S GOVERNMENT),
S E C R E T .
P. 4 2 0 0 . "
' C A B I N S
T.
- THE- TURCO-GREEK SITUATION,..
'
-
-'
CO-OPERATION CF THE DOMINIONS.
T e l e g r a m s b e t w e e n t h e S e c r e t a r y of S t a t e f o r t h e
C o l o n i e s a n d G o v e r n o r s G e n e r a l o f Canada,.. A u s t r a l i a ,
New Z e a l a n d , U n i o n o f S o u t h A f r i c a , a n d O f f i c e r
a d m i n i s t e r i n g t h e Government of N e w f o u n d l a n d .
( C i r c u l a t e d b y the- S e c r e t a r y
of S t a t e
-'-
for
the
Colonies)..
N o . 1c
PARAPHRASE o f a T e l e g r a m s e n t t o t h e G o v e r n o r s - G e n e r a l
o f C a n a d a , - A u s t r a l i a , New Z e a l a n d a n d t h e U n i o n ,
of South A f r i c a , , 1 1 . 3 0 p . m . 1 5 t h S e p t , 1922.
( S i m i l a r t e l e g r a m s e n t t o 0.A.G., Newfoundland,
. 4is 1.0. p,-m* 1 7 t h S e p t e m b e r 1 9 2 2 ) .
Secrets
F ^ l n ^ i n g . fjor-yonr
Prime . m i n i s t e r from t h e
Mini^iej^-beglns, "
'
'
- Decision taken by Cabinet
today to r e s i s t
aggression
u p o n E u r o p e . b y t h e T u r k s a n d t o make e x e r t i o n s
Mustapha Eemal d r i v i n g the. A l l i e s
particular
Peninsula
are
In order
a notification.from
and t h e
violate
Straits
has been
and t h a t
concert
participation
of
the
The I t a l i a n s
We l i c p e t o
secure
t h e d e e p w a t e r l i n e b e t w e e n E u r o p e ,and A s i a
of
our
intention
All
the
-Sir C h a r l e s
Navy w i l l
a f o r e s a i d Powers
t o make e x e r t i o n s - , a n d t h a t
to be p l a c e d under o r d e r s
Chief,
the S t r a i t s
to reinforce
Harington,
also be forthcoming
they
he
also
the
Constantinopi
are.acting
military
in the defence
and we a r e
are being
of
addressing
notified
British division
is
the' Allied. Commander-in-
The c o - o p e r a t i o n
to
We
u
Constantinople
t h e i r .High Ceramicsioner a t
accordingly^. -
in
Galllpoli
zone which p r o t e c t s
with u s .
and
M u s t a p h a Kemal t h a t
G r e e c e , Roumania and S e r b i a
them a c c o r d i n g l y - .
prevent
t h e F r e n c h Government t h a t
informing
the neutral
instructed
in g e n e r a l
us i n
to
of C o n s t a n t i n o p l e
t o ' m a i n t a i n , t h e freedom of
in agreement.with
must not
out
and above a l l . t o . s e c u r e ' f i r m l y
have r e c e i v e d
Prime
the, f u l l e s t
of t h e
extent
British
necessary.,
The o b j e c t
of- t h e s e - a r r a n g e m e n t s
must, e l a p s e
before
i l t h Turkey.
is possible
Proposals
V
for
it
the e s s e n t i a l ' p o i n t
strength
to maintain
improbable that
if
Powers a c t i n g
attack.
at
Venice,
front
together,
at between s i x t y ; a n d
are
peace
at
Paris
sufficient
and
peace has been achieved.
a firm
is
number
so f a r
Greeks,
s e v e n t y t h o u s a n d -men.
But
are
r e s p o n s i b l e might r e s u l t
or a humiliating
from
w h i c h we
India
are
exodus
Constantinople.
I s h o u l d b e g l a d , t o know' w h e t h e r
Dominion
estimated
Very g r a v e "consequences - i n
from a d e f e a t
re­
timely
for
the Allies
will
not had any s e r i o u s
a n d among o t h e r Mohammedan p o p u l a t i o n s
of
seems
o f M u s i a p h a Kemal
from ,the. d i s h e a r t e n e d
imperative.
in
It
shown b y a l a r g e
the forces
which
Conference
but possibly
i s t h a t we s h o u l d h a v e
this
encounter
precautions
a stable
b e i n g made t o h o l d a
His armies:, which have
sis tance to
to secure
our p o s i t i o n round the S t r a i t s
Constantinople, u n t i l
of
are
t h i s xurpose probably
and
i s -to -cover- t h e - p e r i o d
wish t o
associate
t h e Government of
themselves
the
with our a c t i o n
and
TIOTM :U ILL* JA 11 H
D oVrTin IC U
Union ' :
­
whether -"they d e s i r e t o be r e p r e s e n t e d by a c o n t i n g e n t ,
o n l y d o e s t h e freedom of t h e S t r a i t s
sacrifices
w e r e made i n t h e
world wide
interests,,
British
i t would be an a b i d i n g
were
to f a l l
into
to send
situation
in
and m i g h t
ing actual
hostilities.-.
This
telegram has
Of
Canada
Australia
New ZeaXand
"Soutn "A'f r i c a .
vital
the G a l l i p o l i
s o u r c e of g r i e f
of an o f f e r
contingents
undoubtedly exercise
the
in
Which s u c h
forget
the r u t h l e s s handy
The a n n o u n c e m e n t
Dominions
w*ar i n v o l v e
b u t we c a n n o t
and A n z a e g r a v e s
for
itself
i-men.se
Imperial
that
there
Peninsula
and
are
and
to the Empire i f
20,000
that
these
of t h o J C e m a l l s t s i
from a l l
or a n y . o f
even of moderate s i s e
a most favourable
conceivably be a potent
also been sent
'
Not
to
the
would
influence
factor
the Governors
in
on
prevent­
General
Paraphrase of' t e l e g r a m from t h e Governor " General of New
Zealand, t o the S e c r e t a r y of S t a t e f o r t h e C o l o n i e s
Dated 16th September
(Received, C o l o n i a l
s
0
c
ffice,
1 - 5 0 p.m
Ycur t e l e g r a m 16th September
0
16th September, 1922)
P o l l o v i n g from my Prime
M i n i s t e r for Prime M i n i s t e r begins
Government of New
Zealand wish t o a s s o c i a t e themselves w i t h a c t i o n Which i s .
being taken and w i l l send c o n t i n g e n t
5
JELLIGOE.
(3)
Paraphrase t e l e g r a m from the Governor General of
New Zealand t o t h e S e c r e t a r y of S t a t e for the C o l o n i e s
0
Dated 1.9th. September,
(Received
3
C o l o n i a l Office 10-35 A , H , 19th September, 1922)
Following from my Prime M i n i s t e r for Prime
M i n i s t e r begins
I should, be glad t o r e c e i v e e a r l y
i n f o r m a t i o n as to whether immediate d e s p a t c h of small
c o n t i n g e n t i s r e q u i r e d f o r sake of moral e f f e c t
t o be
f o l l o w e d - i f n e c e s s a r y by r o i n f o r c e m e n t s * '
I t would be of a s s i s t a n c e i f
recommendation
could be made as t o s t r e n g t h and composition of advance
c o n t i n g e n t and of l a r g e r
force
Paraphrase telegram from t h e Governor General of New Zealand
to tho S e c r e t a r y of .State f o r t h e C o l o n i e s .
Dated 2 0 t h September.
(Received, C o l o n i a l Office 8-0 n , n
e
20th September, 1922),
Unanimous r e s o l u t i o n was passed l a s t n i g h t by House of
R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s e n d o r s i n g a c t i o n of Government communicated
i n my t e l e g r a m 16th September a f t e r amendment of Labour
P a r t y t o t h e e f f e c t t h a t Parliament and people should have
f i r s t been c o n s u l t e d had been d e f e a t e d by f i f t y - s e v e n
seven,
to
Over f i v e thousand had r e g i s t e r e d names up t o l a s t
evening a l t h o u g h no v o l u n t e e r s y e t called, f o r .
Imperial
s p i r i t s t r i k i n g l y e x h i b i t e d throughout t h e Dominion,
Prime M i n i s t e r would a p p r e c i a t e t e l e g r a p h i c review of the
g e n e r a l s i t u a t i o n from time t o t i m e ,
JELLICOS,
(5)
Paraphrase telegram from the S e c r e t a r y of S t a t e f o r the
Colonies to t h e Governor General of Mew Zealand.
Dated 19th Septembero
Sent 10,50 p.m, 19th September, 1922,
Following from me f o r your Prime M i n i s t e r b e g i n s .
I nave r e f e r r e d to Far Office your t e l e g r a m of t h e 19 tli
you '
September and w i l l send/an answer to-morrow,
forwarding you a f u r t h e r message on t h e g e n e r a l
from the Prime M i n i s t e r .
I am a l s o
situation
May I add w i t h what deep emotion
t h i s country and e s p e c i a l l y my c o l l e a g u e s i n t h e Cabinet
Lave r e c e i v e d your prompt and generous r e s p o n s e and your
o wn s t i r r i ng nords
c
Ends,
*
(6)c
Paraphrase t e l e g r a m from t h e O f f i c e r A d m i n i s t e r i n g
the Government of Newfoundland t o the S e c r e t a r y of
S t a t e for t h e Colonies *
Dated 18tla September,,
(Received, C o l o n i a l Office 8*45 p m
0
September 1 8 t h .
0
18th September, 1922 )
Your t e l e g r a m 17th September
f o l l o w i n g r e p l y sent a t the r e q u e s t of t h e A c t i n g
Prime M i n i s t e r b e g i n s :
Mini s t e r s a p p r e c i a t e p o s i t i o n t a k e n by H i s
M a j e s t y s Government and A l l i e s and a r e i n f u l l e s t
1
sympathy t h e r e w i t h .
I b e l i e v e t h a t as i n p a s t
Newfoundland w i l l be ready t o r e n d e r a l l a s s i s t a n c e
a v a i l a b l e ends?;
HORWOOD ,
(7)
Paraphrase t e l e g r a m from the S e c r e t a r y of S t a t e
f o r t h e C o l o n i e s t o the
Officer-Administering
the Government of Newfoundland
0
(Sent 9-50 p m, 19th September, 1922).,
0
(Dated 19th September)
Following f o r your Prime M i n i s t e r from Prime
Minister begins:
Your prompt r e s p o n s e t o our e n q u i r y r e g a r d i n g
--m
t r o o p s t o r e s i s t any t h r u s t a g a i n s t s a n c t i t y of
Ga H i p o l l Peninsula and freedom of S t r a i t s has been
received here with enthusiasm.
The Empire cannot
consent t o the r e s u l t s of t h e g a l l a n t s t r u g g l e and
f i n a l v i c t o r y of i t s sons i n t h e E a s t e r n t h e a t r e
being s a c r i f i c e d .
Ends*.
0
]. 0u
8.
the
Governor General
T
Paraphrase
telegram'from
South Africa
to the
S e c r e t a r y ox S t a t e
for
of
the
t h e Union
Colonies,
Dated 1 0 t h September.".
( R e c e i v e d C o l o n i a l O f f i c e 4 . 3 6 p.,m. 1 8 t h S e p t e m b e r ,
Clear the
of
1922).
line.
Secret.
September
With r e f e r e n c e
on t h e
p e r s o n a l message
subject
to your telegrams
of t h e
15th and
Turkish s i t u a t i o n .
in Pretoria
t o w a r d s t h e end of t h i s week.
at present
but
Your s e c r e t
t o Kim a n d we h o p e t o
send at
17th
following
f r o m Mr, Malan- f o r y o u r P r i m e ; l e i s t e r
G e n e r a l Smuts i s n o t
fcommunicatod
of
is
a.later
begins.
expected
telegrams
is
are
bach
being
date a further .
telecram.
ARTHUR PRE :'GRICH.
Ho,.
Paraphrase
t e l e g r a m from t h e Governor G e n e r a l
South Africa
to' t h e S e c r e t a r y o f
The a b s e n c e
of t h e
State
the
Prime M i n i s t e r
1 5 t h and S e p t e m b e r
17th.
of
Colonies.
1922).
c
delay in replying t o your Secret
September
for
of t h e Union
Dated 19th September,
9,55 p m.
19th September,
(Received Colonial Office
of t h e
9.
in Sululand is the
cause
and P e r s o n a l t e l e g r a m s
of
3
ARTHUR PRRDSRICK.
Ho,' 1 0 . "
T e l e g r a m f r o m t h e S e c r e t a r y ' of S t a t e
Governors-General
of t h e
Zealand.
following
P e n i n s u l a has been
consent
its
sons
to
7 20 p m.
o
18th September,
0
from Prime h i n i s t e r
response
any t h r u s t / a g a i n s t
freedom
results
in t h e Eastern
the
for your Prime
1922.
liinister.'
to o u r ' e n q u i r y r e g a r d i n g t r o o p s
of
received herb with
sacrifice
to
C o m m o n w e a l t h o f A u s t r a l i a a n d New
Sent
Your p r o m p t
resist
for' t h e Colonies
Straits
enthusiasm,
of g a l l a n t
theatre,
and s a n c t i t y
straggle
of
to
Gallipoli
Tho U m p i r e
and f i n a l
cannot
victory
of
Paraphrase
of
t e l e g r a m from t h e
Governor- G e n e r a l
of
Canada *
(Received 3.40 a.ai,,
Secret.
September
Prime Minis tor for
18th September,
17th.
F o l l o w i n g f r o m my
your Prime M i n i s t e r
communication
c o u l d b e 3ent t o m y s e l f
G-overumsnt
C a n a d a of
through
of
the c o n t e n t s
Governor General
our p r o s s
despatches
in r e s i s t i n g
d e s p a t c h of
This has
situation
or
Before
other
of. y o u r
m e m b e r s of
cable
troops.
so w h a t ,
B r i t i s h Government,
the
f o r m of
a secret
bo n s o s s s a x - y b e f o r e
to receive
sent
Turkish Forces
c a u s e d ' a most
cypher
embarrassing
of me
your message
t e l e g r a m your
disclosure
of
its
to
by
are enquiring
Seeing that
in
invitation
communication has been r e c e i v e d
the
the
from S n g l a n d a p p e a r e d
and P r s s s r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s
and i f
be g l a d
begins:
announcing the B r i t i s h Governments
Canada to p a r t i c i p a t e
any,
1982).
from
takes
sanction
contents,
seems
I
i m m e d i a t e r e p l y by t e l e g r a p h a s
if
to
shoulfi
to
your
-
wishes
in the
disclose
matter
the contents
Government
desires
t o Government
of
s t a t i n g whether
of
the
liberty
the
to
British
as coming from
them
Canada.
certainly
official
correspondence
I should
be g l a d t h e r e f o r e -
any what
communication
t o h a v e mads p u b l i c
Parliament will
if
I aaa a t
in
communications
coming w i t h i n t h e r e t u r n
this
if
?
ask for
matter
t o ba p r o d u c e d
you would
of
and
clearly'indicate
s h o u l d be c o n s i d e r s d
t h a t may b e
copies
expected.
BYHG.
as
not
all
110,
Paraphrase
Canada t o
of
12
t e l e g r a m from t h e
the
Secretary
of S t a t s
Governor
for
General
the
Colonies.
(Dated 18th S t p t c m b o s ;
received Colonial
19th Septemberj 1 9 8 2 ) .
September 1 8 t h .
Minister
begins.
telegram
cf
of
Representations
contained
oemand a u t h o r i s a t i o n
to p a r t i c i p a t e
Fullest
possible
i n Hear
a.m.
cn t h e p a r t
your
opinion
of
despatching
Bast
o r d e r , t h a t we may d e c i d e , u p o n t h e
Message
In
Prime.
consideration
a
Conflict.
information-will
s urmening -Parliament-.
from
that public
as a n e c e s s a r y p r e l i m i n a r y - t o
a contingent
of
your Prime M i n i s t e r
The G o v e r n m e n t ' s v i e w i s
of Canada would
by us i n
for
, 7.50
-
September 1 5 t h have been under
Cabinet.
Perliament
Office
Secret.
Following
of
be welcomed
advisability
ends .
mm.
EO. 1 3 .
Telegram f r o m t h o
S e c r e t a r y of S t a t e
Governor
for
the
Dated 19th
(Received
Colonial
September
19th
General
Office
the
Colonies.
September.
10.18
Following for
message begins P l e a s e
of C a n a d a t o
a-.m.
20th September,
y o u f r o m my P r i m e
a c c e p t my b e s t
thanks for
Minister
your
two telegrams of y e s t e r d a y which were d u l y r e c e i v e d .
have
arranged d a i l y s i t t i n g s of t h e C a b i n e t and
a w a i t information
1922).
We
shall
i n accordance w i t h u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f my
cable message I n answer to t h a t of Prime- M i n i s t e r of
the
PARAPHRASE TELEGRAM from t h e S e c r e t a r y o f S t a t e for
the
Colonies to the Governor-General of Canada.
Sent 4,15 p m .
0
18th Spetember, 1922.
Clear the l i n e .
Following from me for your Prime M i n i s t e r .
Secret and P e r s o n a l .
Begins .
The message from t h e prime M i n i s t e r which-I
trans­
m i t t e d to you on the 15th September i s not s u i t a b l e
textual publication.
for
There would be no o b j e c t i o n to t h e
substance b e i n g given to the p u b l i c as h a s been done .
i n A u s t r a l i a , but I send you on b e h a l f of the Prime
M i n i s t e r a f u r t h e r t e l e g r a m s e p a r a t e l y i n case you want
a message the a c t u a l t e x t of which can be l a i d b e f o r e
your parliament..
I t was i n view of t h e s p e c i a l a s s o c i a t i o n s which
they have w i t h G a l l i p o l i t h a t we have communicated w i t h
A u s t r a l i a , and New Zealand and we f e l t bound to make
the message common to a l l the Dominione *
There i s no
p r o b a b i l i t y of a s e r i o u s war, b u t i t i s e s s e n t i a l t o
p r e v e n t the Kemalists from c r o s s i n g t h e S t r a i t s and
e n t e r i n g C o n s t a n t i n o p l e except i n accordance with t h e
d e c i s i o n of a peace Conference which w i l l , among o t h e r
thihgs, effectively
secure the freedom of the S t r a i t s
probably under some i n t e r n a t i o n a l a r r a n g e m e n t .
main f a c t o r on Which we r e l y
The
i s of course t h e B r i t i s h
Navy and we t h i n k i t - u n l i k e l y t h a t h o s t i l i t i e s
will
occur i f the a l l i e s c o n t i n u e to a c t t o g e t h e r i n f o r ­ '
b i d d i n g the E e m a l i s t s to Invade t h e n e u t r a l zone now guarded
by a l l i e d t r o o p s .
However, i t i s extremely i m p o r t a n t
t h a t Greet B r i t a i n , should adopt a firm, a t t i t u d e , and
anything t h a t your Government can c o n t r i b u t e towards t h e
sense of Empire s o l i d a r i t y would "be of t h e utmost v a l u e .
At t h i s j u n c t u r e a s t a t e m e n t to t h e e f f e c t t h a t the
Dominion of Canada a s s o c i a t e s i t s e l f with t h e g e n e r a l
p o s i t i o n of t h e A l l i e d powers i n i n s i s t i n g upon the
freedom of t h e S t r a i t s and would be r e p r e s e n t e d by a
c o n t i n g e n t i f t h e need, a r o s e , would be q u i t e
sufficient.'
That t h e a c t u a l need for d e s p a t c h i n g the c o n t i n g e n t w i l l
a r i s e BEems most improbable and i n any case i t i s con­
temp l a ted t h a t i t would, be only of a very moderate s i z e .
A u s t r a l i a and Slew Zealand have a l r e a d y r e p l i e d i n a
favourable
sense.
I t i s a m a t t e r of g r e a t r e g r e t to me t h a t i t was
not p o s s i b l e to give you longer n o t i c e , out the c r i s i s
developed too s u d d e n l y .
I am sure t h a t you w i l l so
h a n d l e t h e m a t t e r as to give t h e utmost moral support
at - this stage.
Message ends r,
Ho. 15 *
TKiiZSGRAM f r o m t h e S e c r e t a r y
to the Governor-General
(Sent
5 . 0 p..m.
of
of
State
for
the
Colonies
Canada,
18th September,. 1922) .
Clear the Line.
. ,
following
--;
for your prime M i n i s t e r ,
Following for
Begins.
publication
- --.
I n v i e w of
the p o s s i b i l i t y
that
.-
the Turks under
llustapha
K e m a l may a t t e m p t a g g r e s s i o n u p o n E u r o p e H i s M a j e s t y ; s
ment i n
c o n c e r t w i t h the Government"
decided
to r e s i s t
any
being the position
of
such attempt
the Allies
t o m a i n t a i n t h e freedom
hold
on t h e G a l l i p o l i
of P r a n c e a n d I t a l y
to
at
of t h e S t r a i t s
must n o t v i o l a t e
the neutral
Constantinople.
British
the
Commander-in-Chief
Straits
have
at
Havy w i l l
and
under
Constantinople
co-operate
intended
of a C o n f e r e n c e
to
to
secure
the aims
of
timely­
imperative.
and w o r l d - w i d e
for which
trust
interests
that
i n v i e w of
involved
such immense s a c r i f i c e s
d u r i n g t h e war t h e Dominion of Canada w i l l
with the proposed
a c t i o n and t h e e v i d e n c e
the
associate
of u n i t e d
upon t h e
situation.
of a c o n t i n g e n t
Snds.
Empire
purpose
n e c e s s a r y would e x e r c i s e a most
influence
the
themselves
circumstances
it
of
w e r e made b y t h e
by the- d e s p a t c h
render
vital
i n t h e freedom
which would be a f f o r d e d
favourable
he
the Straits
a s t a b l e p e a c e with Turkey and
H i s M a j e s t y ' 3 Government
Imperial
all
firm
have been placed
These a r r a n g e m e n t s a r e
which w i l l be to s e c u r e
are
time
their
Constantinople
zone which p r o t e c t s
situation pending the meeting
precautions
the
t o i n f o r m M u s t a p h a Kemal t h a t
C h a r l e s H a r i n g t o n and t h e B r i t i s h
extent.
by s e c u r i n g
reinforcements
to j o i n the A l l i e d
the f u l l e s t
for
peninsula.
accordingly been instructed
Sir
safeguard
have
C o n s t a n t i n o p l e and above
The A l l i e d H i g h C o m m i s s i o n e r s a t
orders
.Govern­
should
So, 1 5 .
PARAPHRASE TELEGRAM from the 3 e c r e t a r y - o f ; S t a t e
for
the Colonies t o t h e Governor-General of C a n a d a .
(Sent
.10*30
p*"V,. 19th September,
1922).
Pol lowing for your prime M i n i s t e r from Prime Minis-te
Begins.
The . a t t i t u d e of Canada a t t h i s moment i s of g r e a t
importance,
send t r o o p s ,
We do not ask for any immediate d e c i s i o n to
tfe should immediately summon p a r l i a m e n t
h e r e i f l a r g e r e i n f o r c e m e n t s were to prove n e c e s s a r y arid
should a t once n o t i f y you of our d e c i s i o n to do s c .
Pre­
sumably i t i s not n e c e s s a r y for you t o summon p a r l i a m e n t
t i l l t h e n and we hope i t may not he n e c e s s a r y a t a l l .
definite
A
s t a t e m e n t , however, t h a t i n - t h e event of t h e
terms of the A r m i s t i c e being broken Canada w i l l stand by
t h e Empire w i l l do much, to ensure t h a t peace i s ma.int3.ined
Ends .
£10, 17 .
PARAPHRASE t e l e g r a m f r o m t h o G o v e r n o r - G e n e r a l
of
C o m m o n w e a l t h of A u s t r a l i a d a t e d 2 0 t h
September,
received at tho Colonial Office
September,
at
6.27
20th
a.m..
F o l l o w i n g f r o m my P r i m e M i n i s t e r
Minister.
judicial
consideration
which i s
its
clear
by p r e m a t u r e
precludes that
given
full
its gravity
involved
is
E m p i r e was l i k e l y
out
suggesting
the
action
position
in
in h o s t i l i t i e s .
from
to
t o be i n v o l v e d
received
Foreign
Greoo-Turkish
time to
time.
that
in h o s t i l i t i e s
and
informing
us that
the
Kemalists
same a s a b o l t
been t o l d
e v e n now b y w h a t a c t i o n
from t h e
d e o i s i o n has been n e c e s s i t a t e d .
t h e p r e s s was n o t i f i e d
the fact
that
before
blue.
recent
to
And a s
-
1 ­
the
And we h a v e
i t would
your t e l e g r a m
associate
and s e n d c o n t i n g e n t s ,
the
of t h e Z e m a l i s t s
you contemplated
t h e D o m i n i o n s were a s k e d
Brits.in
no
British
C a b i n e t had d e c i d e d t o t a k e prompt a c t i o n a g a i n s t
me o f
the
Bast.
Thus your t e l e g r a m
that
detail
been communicated t o u s b e a r i n g upon
Kear
is
probability
h a s come t o h a n d s u g g e s t i n g
i n the
import
It
had b e e n p r e v i o u s l y
d e s p a t c h e s many w e e k s o l d r e l a t i n g
But no i n f o r m a t i o n
to
by Commonwealth
not s e t
p o s i t i o n h a v e no d o u b t b o o n r e c e i v e d
pros
and.
press disclosing a
Commonwealth Government
developments
of
a D o m i n i o n s h o u l d bo s t a m p e d e d i n t o
of t h e Empire b e i n g
the
as a n a t i o n a l Government.
statements in the
t e l e g r a m s have
in
of such grave
of t h e p o s i t i o n
a n d u p o n w h i c h no i n f o r m a t i o n
Office
lato
same i n f o r m a t i o n
as i t
right
which even a d m i t t i n g
b y tho
till
in Australia
This in a matter
anoe I s most u n f o r t u n a t e
that
arrival
substantially
by y o u r s e l f .
not r i g h t
received
on S u n d a y a n d a f t e r
messages giving
press
Prime
Begins.
Your t e l e g r a m was not
afternoon
for
this
appear
reached
h o s t i l i t i e s , , and
themselves
Commonwealth
not
that
with
Government
found/
found i t s e l f
i n most e m b a r r a s s i n g p o s i t i o n
dooido not
b e t w e e n p e a c e and
determined
that
wealth,
issue
the
the
it
say that
was
strongly
is th
,
that
to take place before
decision
we c o u l d not
consultation
any a c t i o n
i s made b y B r i t a i n ,
v o i c e s b e h o a r d and o u r
i s one a n d
indivisible
a n o t h e r name f o r
with t h e Common­
is
Britain,
is
us
in
do s o .
The
most
w i t h the Dominions
taken
or
o n l y can
Either
nothing.
ought
irrecoverable
as t h e n and t h e n
it
for
t o emphasise
counsels heeded.
or
war
Dominions
possible
Commonwealth G o v e r n m e n t d e s i r e s
td
already
she had a s k e d the
join her,
the oircumstanoes'.;to
point
B r i t a i n had
asked
B r i t a i n h a d d e c i d e d t o go t o
press that
whether they wished t o
all
for
without consultation
but whether a f t e r
and h a d n o t i f i e d
war,
of being
If
it
our
the
is
and the Dominions a r e t o
Empire
only
be
told
f
that
things
t h o y have b e e n
a r e done a f t e r
Britain has
d e c i d e d upon war,
It
side,
is
when t h e y h a v e
perfectly
and B r i t a i n
clear,
in
fact
b e i n g what t h e y a r e ,
empty
I
t h a t the
action.
feel
unity
with her
no o t h e r
the r e l a t i o n s
Dominions h a v i n g a r e a l s h a r e
policy is
and
and a r e t h e n t o be
w h e t h e r t h o y wish, t o be a s s o c i a t e d
her
done,
asked
and t o s t a n d
alternative,
between t h e
that
all talk
in deciding
that
by
then,
Dominions
about
foreign
the
and
imperial
air.
that
I
ought
of t h e Empire
to
speak q u i t e
frankly
is gravely imperilled
and
say
by s u c h
. 33ae' A u s t r a l i a n p e o p l e a r e s i c k of w a r .
In t h e i r
view war,
interests
fully
in
defence
i s not only a blunder but
cognise
and would
except
the
be - g r i e v e d
importance
of v i t a l
a crime.
cf tho
and a n g r y I f
national
the
freedom
While
of t h e
sanctity
understand
Constantino s
1
why t h e . D o m i n i o n s w e r e
t o o k a ct i on,
do
ambitious p r o j e c t s .
anneto b e f o r e
not u n d e r s t a n d
the
not
situation
why t h e A l l i e s
Straits
of A n z a e
i n O a l l i p o l i w e r e v i o l a t e d , ' t h e y h a v e no. s y m p a t h y
with king
they
whatever
They d o
consulted
graves
before
not
Britain
had. d e v e l o p e d , and
did not r e s t r a i n
the
they
Creeks
G r e e k s l o n g a g o f r o m s u c h a c t i o n -as - i t r ^ o w ^ ^ p p e a i ^ - T i a e - 4 a d . u p
the p r e s e n t
and i n d e e d
which t h e
deplorable
inevitable
result
in regard
have s e e n war r a g i n g
against
That
situation
of t h e p o l i c y o f
A l l i e s have pursued
Australians
arrayed
situation.
is
action
the"narturalrv.
or
t o Greece and
f o r many m o n t h s ,
to
inaction
Turkey.
great
armies
one a n o t h e r
a l m o s t w i t h i n g u n s h o t of Gewova, and
b r i n g w a r t o an e n d b e e n d o i n g t o
t h e y a s k t h e m s e l v e s w h a t h a s t h e L e a g u e of B a i l o n s t h a t w a s t o /
bring about peace.
has p a i l
Towards the upkeep
war h a s
to
over the whole w o r l d .
spread
Apparently
in
it
been r a g i n g
is fiddling
once more i n l o n g e r
must
do s o ;
less
at
its
struggle;
if
it
it
make i t
c l e a r to t h e
this grave
matter,
very doors. ' I t
a
very
now
threatens
doing?
with unimportant matters while the
of a g e n e r a l
conflagration.
should a c t i v e l y
let
it
interfere
acknowledge
some more e f f e c t i v e
world the p o s i t i o n
her representatives
Geneva have been r e q u e s t e d
to
urge
world
Australia,
was e s t a b l i s h e d t o m a i n t a i n p e a c e ,
cannot or w i l l n o t ,
a n d make "way f o r
Australia
lor
What i s t h e L e a g u e
ask t h a t the League of N a t i o n s
this
the league
and i s p a y i n g ' v e r y l a r g e sums of money.
long time
is
of
means.
lot
it
itself
help­
In order
to
of A u s t r a l i a
stands
in
a t A s s e m b l y new s i t t i n g
the League
to t a k e
at
immediate
action.
I hope t h a t
unity
of t h e E m p i r e
consulted u n t i l
Government
ing tho
Allies
clear
and n o t h w i t h s t a n d i n g
Australia
of t h e S t r a i t s ,
how f a r
know ( c o r r u p t
the other
Hear E a s t
to
what i s
p o w e r s who a r e
Pirst
end
Britain desires
group)
as
i s t h e p o l a o y of
have
set
out
and i n t e n d s t o
allied with
of
b e a r i n g of
the
British
itself
and i n
maintain
we a r e
clearly
B r i t a i n and
go.
and I t a l y
Britain,, pr rather
of
the
recognise
i n t h e Near
East
her
terms
And we w a n t
Britain,
situation
been
i n moat d e f i n i t e
t h e p o l i c y , of P r a n c e
to the polioy
important
of t h e
B u t we t h i n k t h a t
the
h a s not
wi 11 a s s o c i a t e
B r i t i s h Empire,, t h e Commonwealth G o v e r n m e n t f u l l y
tho most
it
t h e Gal l i p o i l p e n i n s u l a ,
t o be t o l d p r e c i s e l y w h a t
in the
that believing in
t h e E m p i r e w a s by t h o d e c l a r a t i o n
in r e t a i n i n g
freedom
entitled
a s wo d o ,
committed to a c t i o n - .
with Britain
just
I h a v e made i t
to
and
upon Mesopotamia, A r a b i a , Egypt, I n d i a and. upon tho Empire
as a whole.
This b e i n g so what wo doc i r e t o know i s what
i s t h o p o l i c y of B r i t a i n towards Turkey i n huropo and. i n
A s i a , and what i t propones t o do towards e f f e c t i n g a
nodus -J - : : r d i
L
Montion i s nado of a Conference; w e l l ,
what id t o ho done tliero?
7:hat a r c you p r e p a r e d t o
concede?
Anything?
nothing?
Tho Empire i s a world
in itself
composod of many c o u n t r i e s p e o p l e d with' d i f f e r e n t
r a c e s h o l d i n g widely d i f f e r e n t r e l i g i o u s and o t h e r o p i n i o n s .
I s B r i t a i n s p o l i c y s a t i s f a c t o r y t o t h e Moslems i n Turkey
1
and throughout t h o B r i t i s h Empire?
If n o t , i s any modi­
f i c t i o n compatible w i t h v i t a l I m p e r i a l i n t e r e s t
and contemplated?
possible
Wo aro p r e p a r e d t o back B r i t a i n i n
f r u s t r a t i n g t h e ambitious p r o j e c t s of Konal, w i t h whi.ja wo
have, of c o u r s e , no sympathy whatovoro
On t h o o t h e r
hand A u s t r a l i a i c not p r e p a r e d t o r i s k one s o l d i e r ' 3
i n f u r t h e r i n g t h e schemes of C o n s t a n t i n o .
life
Aggression
leads t o c o u n t e r - a g g r e s s i o n : v i o l e n c e t o f u r t h e r v?.u i.once:
and u n l e s s t h e cause f o r which wo f i g h t i s j u s t and t h e
m i l i t a r y ' o b j e c t i v e in l a i d down i n t h e most p r o a s'- and
d e f i n i t e way we are not p r e p a r e d t o p a r t i c i p a t e
i n a war.
aoYg.voly
"tio aro not for example t o bo dragged behind
t h o c h a r i o t of French i n t r i g u e s and ambitions i n t h e
hoar E a s t .
A u s t r a l i a w i l l not bo a p a r t y t o t r e a t i n g
Turkey u n i u s t l y b scans c i t i s
/oak.
Are wo asked f o r
example t o a s s o c i a t e o u r s e l v e s i n an e n t e r p r i s e whoso
o b j e c t i s t o m a i n t a i n t h e status^ quo under t h e Sevres
Treaty?
Ahat we want t o know i s a r e we t o defend t h e
n e u t r a l zone, ensure t h o i n v i o l a b i l i t y of t h e G a l l i p o l i
P e n i n s u l a and t h e freedom of the S t r a i t s , but- go no
f u r t h e r no n a t t e r how much P r a n c e , Greece or t h e
Balkan S t a t e s may u r g o us t o t a k e advantage of t h e
s u p e r i o r n a v a l and m i l i t a r y s t r e n g t h of the a l l i e d f o r c e s ?
Is I t the s e t t l e d and d e l i b e r a t e c o n v i c t i o n of t h o
B r i t i s h Government t h a t t h e p r o v i s i o n s of t h e T r e a t y of
eovres a r e f a i r t o Turkey and t o t h e hoc lam world and.
further
concessions
can be or ought
then to
what e x t e n t
and i n w h a t d i r e c t i o n
modified
i n O r d e r t o meet t h e
t o be made?
legitimate
The C o m m o n w e a l t h G o v e r n m e n t , w h i l e
the provisions
of
strongly urges
that
likely
to render
offered
t h e T r e a t y of
if
it
war i s
like
is possible
wer t o g a i n more t e r r i t o r y
of
And t h e
League of
shoulder
confess
its
its
its
detailed
Smyrna and
and t h e
support
What i s
or
its
not
affected
Constantino?
Constantine
world,
go
o r do
to
anything
G r e a t War
vital
to
in
Empire.
prove
i t s worth
and
in regard
extent
tc
Thrace,
is
the
policy towards
or impaired by the
campaign
or a r e t h e y l i k e l y
such grave
The E m p i r e o u g h t ' n o t
t o be a s k e d
Kemal,
Franklinor
supported
her
i n Thrace and Angcra?
Italy?
What t r o o p s
to
supply?
this
frank
importance
if
expression
is
whether they w i l l
in effect
cf
Government,
Imperatively
to he pushed i n t o a . w a r .
Britain has
to
or
Did B r i t a i n o r any o t h e r of
in his
with B r i t a i n a f t e r
to
t o and be compelled
To w h a t
its
ought
t o go t o war u n l e s s
are
he
magazine.
allies
n e t be m i s u n d e r s t o o d b y t h e B r i t i s h
Dominions ought not
themselves
the
tc
I t must net
these
p o l i c y of F r a n c e or
F r a n k n e s s on a m a t t e r cf
demanded,
cf
Was t h e A n g o r a G o v e r n m e n t f i n a n c e d
they agreed
views w i l l
they ought
wants a l s o a p l a i n
a t t i t u d e , or
;
modifications
a powder
its
and e i t h e r
The Commonwealth G o v e r n m e n t h o p e s
its
into
or
generallya
Straits
the general
any have
state
on t h e p o l i c y of P r a n c e
Bouillon Treaty?
by France a g a i n s t
ought
Australia
the Near E a s t
Gallipoli
itself
cn
Every e f f o r t
Nations must be a p p e a l e d
futility.
Sevres
torch
and u n l e s s
responsibilities
T r e a t y of
allies
It
clear rights
statement
Turkey?
solemn d e c l a r a t i o n s ' d u r i n g t h e
and s i n c e t h e A r m i s t i c e .
defence
to Turkey,
to t h e w o r l d .
for
be
to Turkey,
t o make a n y
In the u n s e t t l e d
set, an example
incompatible, with I t s
demands of
commence *
going with, a l i g h t e d
The E m p i r e m u s t
ought T r e a t y tc
Sevres r e l a t i n g
now.before h o s t i l i t i e s
net,
e x p r e s s i n g no o p i n i o n
i t more a c c e p t a b l e
b e made t o a v o i d w a r .
If
The
associate
committed
them.,/
them,
Ana a b o v e a l l
they should
unnecessary or unjust
s a y where
it
We h a v e b e e n
and
will
war.
end.
We a r e a p e a c e - l o v i n g
ordeal
venture
n o t a s i n g l e man.
I n o u r own d e f e n c e
E m p i r e we a r e q u i t e
ready to
we a r e
golngc
Ends
fight,
in
an
no one
can
democracy.,
I n w h i c h we h o p e t h a t
a g r e e we p l a y e d o u r p a r t
g o o d c a u s e we a r e p r e p a r e d ' t o
join
Once t h e w a r i s b e g u n ,
through a dreadful
the world w i l l
not be a s k e d t o
our
worthily.
all;
In a
i n a bad
and i n t h a t
of
one,
the
b u t we m u s t know w h e r e
e
Governor
Generals
you
Ho.
18.
PAEAPHi-uibl; TELEGfiAM f r o m t h e S e c r e t a r y o f S t a t e f o r t h e C o l o n i e s
t o t h e G o v e r n o r s G e n e r a l of Canada, Commonwealth of A u s t r a l i a ,
New Z e a l a n d , U n i o n of S o u t h A f r i c a , t h e O f f i c e r A d m i n i s t e r i n g
t h e Government of Newfoundland and t h e High C o m m i s s i o n e r f o r
Iraq.
(Sent 1.45 a.m. 2 0 t h September, 1 9 2 8 ) . I Iraq.
(No.
540).
In 1 7 '
I send you a t
information
following
Begins,
the
request
though not
r e v i e w of
of t h e Prime M i n i s t e r f o r
for publication
the position
The f o l l o w i n g
is the
to
or t e x t u a l
situation.
G r e e k s i s now c o m p l e t e
be s e t t l e d
future
the
of t h e
Straits
European Turkey and C o n s t a n t i n o p l e .
while t h e y are
every regard
the
following
First.
quite prepared to
for
m u s t be g u a r a n t e e d
the
existing
but
by c o n f e r e n c e .
respect
Treaties
all
Third.
Second.,
Armistice
consider
of
the
ANY modification
by f o r c e
in the
Zone w i l l
if
of
has yet
been r e c e i v e d t o an e n q u i r y
respect
by f o r c e .
addressed
the Armistice
No
arms
by
which
of
the
reply
t o Zeinal a s
pending a
of
meantime
and any i n v a s i o n
necessary
n
Straits
concluded with the A l l i e s
Neutral
or
with
arrangement
freedom
about not
our l e g a l p o s i t i o n
w h e t h e r he p r o p o s e s t o
settlement
of t h e t e r r a s of t h e a r m i s t i c e
be r e s i s t e d
of
Government
interests,
and t h e
to
disposition
Mustapha Zemal must
Any b r e a c h
a t t h e moment g o v e r n s
and t h e
The B r i t i s h
must be b r o u g h t
t h e t e r m s of t h e
Turkey in 1918.
time.
the
of
remains
t o any l a s t i n g
of G a l l i p o l i
for
and what
as other
conditions essential
The n e u t r a l i t y
The e v a c u a t i o n
discuss the
Turkish as well
quotation
date.
A s i a Minor by t h e
is
your
to
Conference
not.
I n t h e m e a n t i m e we r e g a r d
show t h e
reality
be r e s p e c t e d
From t h i s
First.
Military
of
It
ac most
important
our determination t h a t
and t h a t
standpoint
it
the
solution
two t h i n g s
is necessary
and , i i r f o r c e s
are
shall
Neutral
be r e a c h e d by
specially
immediately to
in the
the
area
Zone
to
shall
Conference.
important.
reinforce
Gallipoli
clearly
in
our
Naval,
order
to
show
that
that
v.'e c a n s t o p a n y s u d d e n b r e a c h o f t h e A r m i s t i c e .
doing t h i s w i t h good e f f e c t .
absolutely
clear that
the position
vvill be m a i n t a i n e d f i r m l y
can be m o b i l i s e d a g a i n s t
support
of the
impressing the
is
usi
arise
Turks but
is
demonstration
Dominion Governments
any immediate
we new h a v e
point
of t h e utmost
on e u r p a r t
should
attack
oh t h e
spot
the passage
c a n be r e s i s t e d
with the
of t r o o p s
shore whether in the
From t h e
Will
assistance
be s e e n t h a t
the
a s a means of
t h e Empire'' i n S a f e g u a r d i n g
At p r e s e n t
sound.
the
quiet
the
confident
of t h e
its
fhe
the
there
organisation
showing t h e
results
which
Navy.and
ability
to the
is
to
is
;
European
Dardanell'
in
our
of Dominion
solidarity
,
of
Cf t h e War i n t h e
French a t t i t u d e
in
Although
by t h e f o r c e s
from t h e A s i a t i o
o p i n i o n no immediate need f o r
theatre,
only
B o s p h o r u s o r t h e Marmora o r t h e
above i t
contingents except
value not
We a r e
moral
contingents
Question a
the Air Force and the Admiralty has d e c l a r e d
prevent
send
s u p p o r t e d by
be d e c i s i v e .
which
of view the
l o s s o f m o r a l e among
to the Eastern
of f i r m n e s s
challenged
any T u r k i s h f o r c e s
in keeping our a l l i e s
lowers in regard
it
the Empire i f
From t h i s
a general tendency to
Christian
that
against
of
We m u s t make
Dominions and t h e u n d e r t a k i n g t o
should the n e c e s s i t y
there
Second,
We a r e
Eastsi
unsatisfactory
.
but
.
in spite
are'unlikely
-
.
left
.
.
.
fear
to
us in sole
leave
it
control-of
is a standing
the
Turks
they
Gallipoli
t o r r o r w i t h them t h a t
Gibraltar
in the East
of
the
Lord C u r z o n a c c o m p a n i e d by A d m i r a l B e a t t y
a n d we a r e n o t
satisfactory
agreement.
important
since
a
with the
by a n y means u n h o p e f u l
-In. this-: r e s p e c t
B a l k a n n a t i o n s who w e r e a l l
is
s t a n d i n g up t o t h e
for Paris to discuss the position
Government,
Sevres
of
may b o c o m e a n o t h e r
Mediterranean.
just
.
of t h e i r
Peninsula because
Gallipoli
.
signatories
the
.;
French
of
a
attitude
of
to the Treaty
of
France has to consider
has
the
her
obligations
o b l i g a t i o n s t o them a s w e l l a s h e r d e s i r e
the
Turks.
Ihe Balkan a l l i e s
r e t u r n of t h e 2uxk t o i i u r o p e
are
naturally
since
this
a n o t h e r B a l k a n war i n t h e n e a r f u t u r e ,
p r o m i s e d , by Bouiaaala i f
S l o v e n e SoTernment,
decision,
to stand well
necessary at
opposed t o
w o u l d make
once and t h e
i s not l i k e l y t o adopt a very
the
inevitable
Assistance
although i t has as yet
with
has
been
Se^b^Q-roat-
come t o
different
no
attitude
We h o p e t h e r e f o r e ' t o bo a b l e t o k e e p t h e A l l i e s d w l t h u s
r e s i s t i n g an a p p e a l t o
Conference.
in the
necessity
n e x i t r a l zone
it
the
and i n d e m a n d i n g a
solution
s e t t l e m e n t when t h e tTinje o o o e e ,
i& t o e n s u r e t h a t t h e
j u s t a s we i n s i s t e d
Beaoe C o n f e r e n c e
a settlement
on t h e
t h e A r m i s t i c e w i l l n o t be
that
way o f p e a c e .
We a r e
s t a n d i n g by o u r e n g a g e m e n t s s a d we' a r e
w i l l , be' s a v e d I n
w i t h t h e w h o l e Mahomadan w o r l d by a q u i e t b u t
To be w e a k ,
on t h e c o n t r a r y ,
i s n o q u e s t i o n o f ^our a b i l i t y
STemi'3. s h o u l d t h i s become i n e v i t a b l e
of 6 0 , 0 0 0 r i f l e s
^hostilities
-Mustapha
i s to
'
'
Whitehall Gardens,
EOth S e p t e m b e r ,
; -
1922*
' -
,
points
CBXTKCHlLL.
a
prevent
and t h e
of t h e p r o m i s e o f ^ m i n i o n c o n t i n g e n t s h a s a l r e a d y
stand
wide­
a s h o commands o n l y
b u t ou?i- d e s i r e
from t h i s
decisive
everywhere.
to deal with
by an immediate' ei*cw o f f i r r a n e e s ,
most v a l u a b l e
the
threatened
may."lead t o
' s p r e a d d i s o r d e r a m o n g s t Mahomodan p o p u l a t i o n s
force
pending
-
d e m o n s t r a t i o n t h a t t h e B r i t i s h . j£mp&re i s h o t t o "be
There
u&& t l i a t
broken.
a b s o l u t e l y c o n v i n c e d t h a t muoh t r o u b l e
or b l u f f e d .
the
we a r e p u t t i n g " f o r w a r d - ' n o
new c l a i m s o r f r e s h o b i r t & o l e e i n t h e
contrary
but
Greeks " r e s p e c t i n g
s h o u l d meet i n c o n f i d e n c e
I n t a k i n g up t h i s - a t t i t u d e
future
by
Turks r e s p e c t , t h e
when t h e y t h r e a t e n e d C o n s t a n t i r i o p l e l a s t . ifis*nth,
on t h e
in
By B O m e a n s are we a v e r s e ' t o t h e L e a g u e of B a t i o n
intervening
first
foroe
;
0
effect
been