We have dealt elsewhere with the proposals for a Con-
ference, and will only say here that, on the whole, it seems probable that Turkey will agree to the suggestion. We cannot, of course, blind ourselves to the fact that such a Con- ference will be obliged to accept the position created by what has taken place in Bulgaria, in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and in Crete. At the same time, we do not think it at all impossible that a Conference, if honestly conducted, might be able to help the new Turkish Government in its task of recon- structing the Turkish Empire on enlightened lines. If, how- ever, the Conference is to assemble, not with the idea of helping Turkey, but rather of finding compensation for those Powers who have not yet obtained anything in the scrimmage, then assuredly it will be better for Turkey to go on with her task of regeneration without any appeal to Europe. In any case, the duty of Britain is clear. We must do all we can to support the Turkish Government as long as that Government is inspired by the just and liberal sentiments upon which it has hitherto acted, and by the desire to respect all Treaty obligations. •
