No doubt these are very considerable concessions, but on the
other hand it is obvious that the Allies could not possibly accept the Adrianople compromise, and would even find it difficult, though perhaps not impossible, to give back any of the islands already occupied. The reply, indeed, is only useful if it can be regarded as a half-way house to further con- cessions by Turkey. Meantime Renter's Agency reports that Dr. Daneff has declared that the Allies consider that the Turkish offer is not of a character to form even the basis for fresh negotiations. Both Adrianople and the islands must be ceded. Without this, negotiations will not be resumed. They further declare that these concessions must be made before a resumption of the war. The first shot will change the conditions. If this statement is really the Allies' last word, as we expect it is, hostilities will begin on Monday—unless, of course, before that time the Turkish Government entirely changes its present attitude. No doubt it would be very much better for the Turks to do this, but is it possible for a Government like the new Government in Turkey—a Govern- ment founded upon a bloody and murderous revolution ? The only excuse for the revolution was that it would save the country from the irreparable disgrace and disaster of the cession of Adrianople and the islands.
