The distressing uncertainty concerning the future position of France in the Orient seems to be close to ending. Whether it is favourable or disastrous, the decision of the High Council of the Allies will shortly be taken. May a feeling of sound judgement and fairness inspire the arbitrators of our future with a long-lasting solution which assures peace in Islam, while at the same time again safeguarding somewhat our centuries-old interests, which are, alas, threatened by implacable rivals! I really think that, among true French patriots, there is almost no diplomat who is well-informed and genuine, whose eyes have not at last been opened to the necessity of maintaining a strong and friendly Turkey. This will preserve for us in the Orient at least vestiges of our past influence which was vital, and – and this is an entirely new motive – will provide Europe with a brave and undoubtedly adequate advanced barrier against the savage excesses of Russia.

I do not want to repeat endlessly the same truths, which I have already succeeded in articulating, in spite of the line taken by certain newspapers in denying their veracity. But I think I must again recall in just a few words these truths, to which most men of good faith have now rallied, since we find ourselves at the supreme moment.

I think I have stated strongly, with the support of evidence and proof, just about all there is to say on the subject of the ‘Armenian massacres’: the reciprocity of slaughter, the insane exaggeration in the complaints from these Armenians, who for centuries have so shabbily fleeced the Turks, their neighbours, and who, with their unflagging slander, have not ceased to play on their claim to be Christians in order to gather together Western fanatics against Turkey.

Turning to the Greeks, I do not think that they should be subject further to the law. Thank God, judgement has been made on their cause. That the war has enabled us to get to know them is a judgement from heaven. Evidence from thousands of our soldiers of their deceit and hatred of France, and the reports from our leaders concerning their invasion of Anatolia are overwhelming and conclusive. Moreover, the following is the wording of the official report of the Allies’ commission of enquiry concerning the actions of the Greeks at Pergamon and Menemen: ‘Nervous strain, fatigue and fear led them to commit, without any provocation, a real massacre of defenceless Turkish civilians.