Papers written by Curzon on the Near and Middle East [‎94r] (187/348)

Annex III.
Text of “ National Pact ” yrinted in the Proceedings of the Turkish
Chamber of Deputies of February 17, 1920.
The members of the Ottoman Chamber of Deputies recognise and affirm that
the independence of the State and the future of the nation can be assured by complete
respect for the following principles, which represent the maximum of sacrifice which
can be undertaken in order to achieve a just and lasting peace, and that the
continued existence of a stable Ottoman Sultanate and society is impossible outside
of the said principles :—
First A rticle. —Inasmuch as it is necessary that the destinies of the portions of
the Turkish Empire which are populated exclusively by an Arab majority, and
which on the conclusion of the Armistice of the 30th October, 1918, were in the
occupation of enemy forces, should be determined in accordance with the votes which
shall be freely given by the inhabitants, the whole of those parts, whether within or
outside the said Armistice line, which are inhabited by an Ottoman Moslem majority,
united in religion, in race and in aim, imbued with sentiments of mutual respect for
each other and of sacrifice, and wholly respectful of each other's racial and social
rights and surrounding conditions, form a whole which does not admit of division
for any reason in truth or in ordinance.
Second Article. —We accept that, in the case of the three sanjaks, which united
themselves by a general vote to the mother-country when they first were free, recourse
should again be had, if necessary, to a free popular vote.
Third Article. —The determination of the juridical status of Western Thrace
also, which has been made dependent on the Turkish peace, must be effected in
accordance with the votes which shall be given by the inhabitants in complete
freedom.
Fourth Article. —The security of the city of Constantinople, which is the seat of
the Caliphate of Islam, the capital of the Sultanate and the headquarters of the
Ottoman Government, and of the Sea of Marmora must be protected from every
danger. Provided this principle is maintained, whatever decision may be. arrived
at jointly by us and all other Governments concerned, regarding the opening of the
Bosphorus to the commerces and traffic of the world, is valid.
Fifth Article. —The rights of minorities as defined in the treaties concluded
between the Entente Powers and their enemies and certain of their associates shall
be confirmed and assured by us, in reliance on the belief that the Moslem minorities
in neighbouring countries also will have the benefit of the same rights.
Sixth Article. —It is a fundamental condition of our life and continued
existence that we, like every country, should enjoy complete independence and
liberty in the matter of assuring the means of our development in order that our
national and economic development should be rendered possible, and that it should
be possible to conduct affairs in the form of a more up-to-date regular
administration.
For this reason we are opposed to restrictions inimical to our development in
political, judicial, financial and other matters.
The conditions of settlement of our proved debts shall likewise not be contrary
to these principles.
January 28, 1920.