Papers written by Curzon on the Near and Middle East [‎81r] (161/348)

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No. 1 .—SECRETARY OF STATE.
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Conferences between M. Briand and Lord Curzon, June 18 and 19, 1921.
June 18, 10'30 a.m.
AT 10*30 Lord Curzon, accompanied by Sir Horace Rumbold, Mr. \ ansittart and
Mr. Osborne, met M Briand and M. Berthelot in the former’s room at the Quai
d’Orsay.
Lord Curzon reviewed the whole situation since the London Conference, giving
M. Briand the most recent information in the possession of His Majesty’s Government
relative to conditions in Greece and Turkey, and examined the possibilities inherent in
a resumption of hostilities.
He pointed out that the moment was opportune for a renewal of Allied mediation,
and then discussed the terms on which the Allies should base their proposals. These
were briefly an extension of the London proposals regarding Smyrna, demilitarisation
of that part of Eastern Thrace beyond the Chatalja line, possible further modification
of financial control, a general assurance of support to a reconstituted Turkey, a possible
suggestion to the Turks that the Allies would see no objection to Turkish expansion in
the Caucasus, the abolition or modification of the tripartite agreement, and the
other concessions contained in the London proposals.
With regard to Smyrna, he would propose an autonomous province under Turkish
sovereignty, administered by a Christian Governor with the assistance of a mixed
gendarmerie under European officers. Greek troops to be withdrawn as soon as the
gendarmerie could ensure security in the province.
With regard to Thrace, he pointed out the obstacles to the Enos—Media line, and
suggested, as alternative concessions to Turkish demands, the enforcement of the
provisions regarding Adrianople contained in the Minorities ireaty between Greece
and the Allies, and the demilitarisation of part of the Chatalja line.
His proposal would be to submit a solution on these lines to the Greeks, and
if they accepted it, to open negotiations on this basis at Constantinople and Angora.
Were the Greeks to refuse, the matter would of course be at an end. The communica
tion to the Turks woidd be accompanied by an intimation that a refusal would involve
the withdrawal of all the concessions contained in the present offer and in the London
proposals, as well as possible assistance to the Greeks in the form of a relaxation
of financial restrictions, a removal of the embargo on the export of munitions of war,
and possibly a blockade of Black Sea and Mediterranean ports of Asia Minor.
He pointed out thgt unity of action among the Allies was an essential condition of
success, but that, given loyal co-operation, the omens were favourable.
Finally, he asked that the French Government should agree to the assumption by
General Harington of supreme command at Constantinople, a stipulation which would
have considerable effect on the Turks.
June 18, 3 p.m.
Lord Hardinge joined the Conference.
M. Briand thanked Lord Curzon for his very complete review of the situation, and
expressed his entire agreement in the proposal for mediation.
French information was to the effect that the Greek army was better organised, but
was tired of fighting, and that the Nationalists were apprehensive and anxious for
a settlement. There was therefore a tendency for peace on both sides, and the moment
for mediation was opportune. Failure of Allied mediation would, however, render the
situation worse than before.
As to Smyrna, he thought it possible to satisfy the 'Turks on the lines proposed.
The port of Smyrna was suffering from military occupation, and therefore commercially
of no great value in present conditions. This was realised in Greece, but Greek
amour-propre had to be safeguarded. Though King Constantine might wish to, he
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