Mr. Chamberlain informed the House on Thursday, June 23rd, that
the Allies had invited Greece to accept their mediation in the war with the Turkish Nationalists. If Greece accepted, the Allies would state the terms on which they were prepared to assist her and to ask the Turks to suspend hostilities. If Greece refused, she must accept the full responsibility. The Greek Government replied on Sunday, declining to postpone the renewed offensive against Mustapha Kemal, and pointing out that Greece was simply trying to defend the Greeks in Western Asia Minor and to enforce the decisions of the Allies, as expressed in the Treaty of Sevres. The answer is correct enough, but the Allies have unfortunately changed their minds since the Treaty was made. French dislike of King Constantine and Italian jealousy of Greece have weakened the unity of the Allies in regard to the Near East. It remains true, nevertheless, that the Greek army is the sole obstacle to a massacre of the Greek population on the coast and round Smyrna. The Allies cannot afford to encourage Mustapha Kemal.
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