“And Lausanne?” “We shall have storms, but the result must be peace.” “When?” “As soon as we dare hope....” I congratulated him on the rôle he had played at Moudania. “I am glad,” he said, “to have rendered service to my country.” “Can you see any motive for this disastrous policy in Constantinople?” “I can only suppose that, for some reason, Mr. Lloyd George simply refused to listen to the advice of everyone who knew Turkey, in favour of friends entirely ignorant of the whole subject. I am almost disposed to think he did not even consult his own Foreign Minister.” “Why did you not go to Lausanne?” I asked. “Well, I was not invited. Lord Curzon and Ismet Pasha appear to understand each other; and they have clever experts at the Conference.” “Do you not feel, however, that a “prejudiced” expert may do even more harm than the Premier’s ‘men,’ who knew nothing?” “If you can prove they are prejudiced, yes.” “In my view, when the Turks mistrust them, it is enough.” “That, surely, is not for me to say.” I much fear it was “mistaken” modesty, which led General Harington to think that his presence would “make no difference” at Lausanne. * * * * * On the other hand, his praise of Refet Pasha is well-deserved. It would, indeed, require an exceedingly smart diplomatist to get over a man no one can bluff, for all his courtesy and kindness. The “wonderful little general” is always busy, but never _too_ busy to see the friends of his country, who all delight in his wit. “There is nothing he would not dare,” said Colonel Mougin. “I can imagine him smoking a cigarette on the edge of Vesuvius! With a mere handful of men he held his own against regiments of Allies all along the line.” When I first met Refet Pasha we spoke of Colonel Mougin, with whom he had been photographed. I told him that I had been fighting the colonel ever since we met. “Fighting with that charming man?” he exclaimed. “The charm of friendship is to fight in peace,” I replied, “or _Discuter sans disputer_, as the French say.” He laughed heartily, and then spoke with the deepest respect of General Harington. “You have yourself given me an example,” said I. “‘Love your enemies’, as it is written.” Colonel Mougin used to say that Refet Pasha had the glorious spirit of a pioneer, and that his country made good use of the quality. When he had cut his way through the wilderness of Anatolia, they sent him to take possession of Constantinople, though the Allies were still there! At the same time, he was to prepare the way for the axe that was once more to chop with severity, speaking metaphorically, of course, in the departure of the Sultan. When the Government machine at Constantinople was running smoothly, he was sent off to tackle Thrace! Refet Pasha spoke warmly of Colonel and Mrs. Samson, not forgetting their charming little girl. “He rendered great service to Turkey during the Siege of Adrianople. He likes the Turks.”