767.68119/486
The Vice Consul at Constantinople (Imbrie), Temporarily at Angora, to the Secretary of State
[Received March 26.]
Sir: I have the honor to inform the Department that, seemingly, the feeling in Turkey, as a result of the failure of the Lausanne Conference, is one of disappointment, rather than of belligerency. Both among official circles and in the press, as well as with the people, the idea is that the resumption of war should, if possible, be avoided.
It should not be deduced from this that the Turks are prepared to make extensive concessions, for of this there is no evidence. Nor is the desire for peace based on any apprehension that the army is not loyal or to be depended upon. Rather is it due to war-weariness and a desire, nationwide, to devote the country’s energies to constructive measures.
This attitude of the Turks has not resulted in any lessening of military preparation. Following the Moudania Conference, the classes between thirty-four and forty-five were demobilized. Three of these classes have recently been recalled to the colors and newly conscripted [Page 971] recruits are constantly being called up, drilled, armed and equipped. There is a steady movement south, southwest and southeast of troops and munitions. The district eastward and southward from Eskashier has been declared a military zone, closed to foreigners and there is every indication of heavy troop concentration in this region. To the military has been entrusted the control of ingress and egress. While the army is notably deficient in artillery—having probably no more than seven hundred guns of all calibre—possesses inadequate mitrailleuse equipment and is almost totally devoid of aeroplane and other technical auxiliary arms, the morale is excellent, the bravery, loyalty and endurance of the men beyond question and, in open warfare it should be able to hold its own against equal forces better equipped. The cavalry is sturdily mounted and exceedingly mobile. In considering the potential strength of the Turkish army, it should be remembered, also, that the men are accustomed to train under the most rigorous conditions and can campaign with much less elaborate supply than that furnished European armies.
Turkey leaves Lausanne with a feeling against England, if possible, more bitter than before, as the Turkish people feel that, primarily, it was the uncompromising attitude of Great Britain which rendered the conference abortive.
Turkey’s attitude toward France, due to the vacillating policy of that action and the consequent belief evolving, that she allowed herself to be bribed with English promises, is now one of extreme antipathy. For the moment, at least, France’s sun of prestige has suffered eclipse.
The attitude of the United States at Lausanne was, at first, misunderstood by the Turks and aroused ill-feeling and severe criticism. Our representations regarding minorities, regarding the Patriarchate and, especially, regarding the Armenians were greatly resented, the Turks feeling that these matters were no concern of the United States Government and the impression was created and prevailed that our foreign policy, as regards Turkey, if not dictated, was greatly influenced by the churches and missionary element. Our Open Door policy, our moderate attitude toward the subject of capitulations and our stand for the settlement of the Straits Question by treaty, rather than by a Straits Commission, on the other hand, did much to off-set the unpleasant impression earlier created and the close of the Conference unquestionably finds the United States more favored in Turkey than any of the Allied participants, though whether more favored than when she entered the Conference, cannot be so confidently asserted.
I have [etc.]