“For every reason, we desire peace; a settlement that will enable us to get on with the vital work of reconstruction. Details must take time, but the essential question should have been arranged before this.” “The papers accuse Angora of arrogance and zenophobia,” I reminded him. “The charge is invented for propaganda. Is it _arrogant_ to stand out for our just and logical rights ? Of ‘zenophobia’ I know nothing! My whole life, in every action, is proof that I do _not_ hate Europe. I never fought for hate, but to save the truth. The same inspiration guides and controls our politics. “I could never myself keep on hating a nation for the mistakes of its Government. I fought against the Bulgarians, who are my greatest friends to-day. “And towards the Greeks I feel the same. I am confident that we shall soon be great friends, friends as we were before the Powers intervened. As they were led away by false flatterers, they will be the first to see their mistake and repent.” “Have you banished the Christians, or are they leaving Anatolia in mere panic?” “We have taken no steps in this matter, but left them absolutely free, to go or stay. They have been terrified by propaganda, largely American, directed by religious animosities. While they followed the Greek army in thousands, and are still flying, many others are coming back. To-day you can see two long streams of refugees among us, one leaving, the other returning. They know that all Christians, whether our own subjects or foreigners, will always enjoy, as they _have_ always enjoyed, the full liberties accorded them in every civilised country.” “Are you satisfied with the situation in Constantinople?” “We shall keep faith to the promise we made at Moudania. Meanwhile it is unnatural to see foreign troops in Constantinople, and they should be taken away as soon as possible. Their presence involves abnormal conditions, which have made it necessary for us to administer that villayet from the Assembly at Angora—an indignity which should not be prolonged. “While conversations are maintained in Lausanne, and since everyone knows we must keep Constantinople, the Powers should not insist on the armed guarantee.” “Do you congratulate us on having secured a Conservative Government?” “It is early days, surely, to speak! If they will help us to friendly relations with England and the other Powers, that is all we ask. Your parties are not our business. We are, generally speaking, against all policies of expansion, because they lead nations into the abyss; and, in our judgment, such policies are impolitic.” “What are your views on the Freedom of the Straits?” “Like the delegates at Lausanne, we want _real_ freedom, not freedom in the hands of one Power. We are ready to discuss the problem with all who have any interests in that quarter. There can be no freedom till Constantinople and the Sea of Marmora are secure.