The Sheiks or Chiefs are the rulers of the people, and can control and
command them as they please.
The people of the Eastern tribes are nearly all Mohammedans. As we have
told you before, they think it right to kill those who do not believe in
the Prophet Mohammed.
They would be very glad to gain possession of Thessaly and spread
Mohammedanism throughout the province. They are therefore most unwilling
that the Sultan should allow it to fall again into the hands of the
Greeks.
Should the Sultan consent to the demands of the Powers and restore
Thessaly, the Sheiks might call out their tribes and carry on the war
themselves.
The Sultan has therefore to be very careful not to anger them, and it is
for this reason that he delays, hoping that in time one party or the
other may give in.
The Powers are, however, quite tired of the delay, and the latest
despatch says that they have sent the Sultan a collective note, which
means a letter expressing the sentiments of all the diplomats concerned.
This note states that they cannot allow any further delay, and demands
that the Porte arrive at a decision immediately.
It is also stated on good authority that the Greek Government has
arranged a loan to pay the money that Turkey demands as a war indemnity,
so that just as soon as the peace negotiations are concluded Greece may
be ready to pay the required sum.
* * * * *
The report about the wounding of General Gomez has been contradicted.
Pages:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25