The Grand Vizier in the course of his speech in
the Chamber defended himself and his Government from the charge of want of enterprise. As to reprisals against Italians in Turkey, they had acted in the beet interests of their country. "Remember that France had to pay a heavy indemnity for treating Ger- mans in France in such a manner." He went on to say that if pacific endeavours failed and Islam was in danger, "naturally we shall defend the Fatherland to the last drop of our blood." Then followed a significant declaration that he was not a partisan of " splendid isolation," but that it was essential before concluding any entente to seek community of interests. Otherwise the entente would eventually turn out to their dis- advantage. This cryptic saying may point to the fact that Turkish friendship is for sale to the highest bidder, but it more probably alludes to a scheme for an alliance or under- standing between Turkey and the Balkan States, to which we have referred elsewhere. Among the Grand Vizier's last words was the statement : " I am not in favour of the idea of ceding Tripoli in return for monetary compensation."
