Turkey has announced to the Powers that she holds that Thessaly belongs
to her by right of conquest, and she is not willing to give it up.
But the Powers are determined to allow only a sum of money as a war
indemnity, and a rearrangement of the frontier whereby Turkey will gain
certain strategic points.
The Sultan has again asked the Emperor of Germany to help him to secure
Thessaly, but William has declined to interfere in the matter, and has
advised the Sultan to obey the wishes of the Powers.
The Czar of Russia has also written to the Sultan, urging him to accept
the conditions offered, and not delay the negotiations by making demands
on Greece which it will be impossible for her to accept.
The delay in the peace negotiations is causing considerable alarm in
Europe.
It seems that the Sultan's main object in writing to Germany and Russia
has been to gain time.
It is thought that he hopes the Powers will disagree and leave him free
to do as he pleases.
If, however, they still remain as firm as they are at present, he thinks
the delay may give time for the Mohammedans to calm down.
These people are now so excited over the success that has attended the
Turkish arms, that it is feared they will revolt against the Sultan if
he agrees to give up Thessaly.
We told you about the visit of the Sheik ul Islam to the Sultan.
These Sheiks are very powerful persons. It is perhaps a little difficult
to make you understand just how powerful they are, living as you do in a
country where such conditions do not exist.
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