When the Greeks landed in May, 1919, they proceeded beyond
the limits assigned to them, whereupon disorders broke out, the town of Aidin was burnt, and half of the line was taken over and used by the Turkish Nationalists as a means of defence. The Greeks used as they pleased that part of the line which they controlled, but they have left Asia Minor owing the company over £45,000. The company would suffer perhaps worse than ever if the San Remo Tripartite Agreement were ratified. This gives Italy preferential rights in the very area which has been served by the Smyrna-Aidin railway since 1858. We have no sort of interest in this railway except that it makes a senti- mental appeal to us owing to its history and because we are such strong believers in the value of successful private enter- prise abroad as a means of hastening the recovery of the world that we deplore any set back. Now that the Foreign Office has reasserted itself it ought to be able to do something in this matter.
Previous page
