After a statement that a conference was contemplated and that
Kemal had been warned by France as well as by Great Britain not to violate the neutral zones, the manifesto went on to point out that in view of "the excited mood and extravagant claims" of the Kemalists it would be fatal and dangerous to trust simply to diplomatic action. Adequate force must be available. We must quote the next passage verbatim :— "That the Allies should be driven out of Constantinople by the forces of Mustapha Kemal would be an event of the most disastrous character, producing, no doubt, far-reaching reactions throughout all Moslem countries, and not only through all Moslem countries but throughout all the States defeated in the late War, who would be profoundly encouraged by the spectacle of the undreamed-of successes that have attended the efforts of the comparatively weak Turkish forces. Moreover, the reappearance of the victorious Turk on the European shore would provoke a situation of the gravest character throughout the Balkans, and very likely lead to bloodshed on a large scale in regions already cruelly devastated. It is the duty of the Allies of the late War to prevent this great danger and to secure the orderly and peaceful conditions in and around the Straits which will allow a conference to conduct its deliberations with dignity and efficiency and so alone reach a permanent settlement."
