'Middle East. Turco-Bolshevik Activities: Note by Political Intelligence Officer attached to India Office.' [‎86v] (6/8)

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time so lioijeless, and the whole movement so near collapse, that lie sought extraneous
assistance. He therefore negotiated with the Italians and the Bolsheviks. The
assistance of the former seems Ip have been limited to the supply of arms and perhaps
money, but more especially to have been in the nature of a friendly neutrality.
Recent indications, however, point to the Italians having modified their attitude when
they came to realise how closely associated the Nationalist cause was with Russia.
19. The review given of the C.U.R. and Bolshevik policies has been necessary in
order to understand the situation in Anatolia Peninsula that forms most of modern-day Turkey. . As stated above, the low ebb of the
Nationalist fortunes necessitated negotiations with Russia as the only source of
obtaining material assistance, but another factor it is necessary to emphasise is that,
both as regards the C.U.P. and the Bolsheviks, the Nationalist movement provided, as
Talaat points out, the “positive part ” of their programme. Therefore it was and is
in the interests of both to maintain the Nationalist cause.
20. We therefore find both parties strongly represented in Anatolia Peninsula that forms most of modern-day Turkey. . It may be
considered as a just conclusion from our intelligence that Mustafa Kemal never
intended to implicate himself as thoroughly as is the case with Soviet Russia. There
is little doubt that, through Talaat in Europe, the Unionist-Bolshevik partv in Anatolia Peninsula that forms most of modern-day Turkey.
and the astuteness of the Moscow diplomats in defiling with his delegates in Russia
he ceased to be a free agent and was deeply committed both against his inclina
tions and judgment. He hoped to obtain material assistance ; no doubt he hoped,
and still hopes, to be able to break away when the time comes. His position is
extremely difficult. There are in Anatolia Peninsula that forms most of modern-day Turkey. two main political groups, led respectively
by Eyub Sabri, the strong pro-Bolshevik, and Halide Edib, leader of the anti-Bolshevik
party.
21. It is not easy to condense Anatolian polities briefly into a comprehensive
summary. The following is an attempt in this direction. Acting according to their
usual tactics, the Bolsheviks have their secret organisations throughout the country ;
these organisations are carrying out strong propaganda assisted by the Turkish
{ ommunist Party. In addition, through the Mouvahiddin Secret Society, they
have been steadily winning over members of the Ureat National Assembly ; such
success did they attain in this direction as to seriously alarm the Government and
the non-Bolshevik party. The growth of this party impelled Mustafa Kemal to
request Eyub Sabri to prevent any further increase, a request that was naturallv
refused. They may be considered to have a majority in the Chamber, and it is
possible that on this account Mustafa Kemal created a small executive body so as to
allow himself freedom of action. Nevertheless, the process of undermining the
Government is proceeding apace, and there is now an added danger through the
presence of the Bolshevik “Ambassador,” Eliava, assisted by a stall' of (Jd, most of
whom are officers. A further disquieting factor is the arrival, according to a
Georgian Intelligence report, of two to three hundred Letts and Chinese. There can
be no doubt that Russia seeks Mustafa Kemal’s overthrow and the setting up of a
Soviet Government. Mustafa Kemal is striving desperately to hold the balance
between the pro and anti-Bolshevik parties. He has accepted willingly or unwillingly
Bolshevik help and Bolshevik terms. The Bolsheviks do not intend to allow any drawing
back.^ The great danger therefore in Anatolia Peninsula that forms most of modern-day Turkey. is the possible complete triumph of
the Unionist-Bolshevik party. Distasteful as the Armenian situation is to the Turks
our indications are that they will have to accept, it, for by a definite resistance to the
Bolsheviks on this question Mustafa Kemal runs a grave risk of losing all control and
being superseded by a Soviet regime, as he will not only have to face, the Bolsheviks
themselves but resist the very strong internal Bolshevik party.
22. Events in Anatolia Peninsula that forms most of modern-day Turkey. are moving very rapidly, the Bolsheviks are reinforcing
their position systematically and . speedily. I bus any counter measures to support
Mustala Kemal or etlace his whole movement should be taken urgently. To be
effective they will have to be drastic, unless Mis Majesty’s Government consider it
possible to persuade the Soviet Government to renounce their activities in Anatolia Peninsula that forms most of modern-day Turkey.
and Persia. Even if this were possible the Unionist-Bolshevik party remains and
will have to he dealt with. t
V.—Conclusion.
2d. 1 he lurkish Unionists have an ambitious plan of gaining control of Central
Asia and rhe Caucasus. They may not hope to achieve this without the temporary
assistance of Russia, whom th^y hope to hoodwink regarding their real aims. Neither