Among the many notabilities who were brought to Constantinople by the
events of the war was General Nelson Miles, the Commander-in-Chief of
the United States Army, whose acquaintance I had the privilege of
making. I also met Sir Ellis Ashmead-Bartlett, on his return from the
seat of war, flushed with victory; for, as already mentioned, he was an
ardent pro-Turk. He was most indignant at the action of the Ambassadors
of the Great Powers, who, headed by Sir Philip Currie, had made a
protest to the Porte against the “atrocities” alleged to have been
committed by the Turkish soldiery in Thessaly. He related how the
English newspaper correspondents who were with the Turks as well as he
himself felt their sense of fair play outraged by these false charges,
and how they had drawn up a report and sent it by telegram from Thessaly
to the British Ambassador at Constantinople. He gave me a copy, of which
I append a translation; for even at this distance of time—in the winter
of Turkish sorrow and misfortune—it is of interest, as affording strong
testimony in favour of the much maligned Turkish soldier.
To His Excellency, The Ambassador of Great Britain,
Constantinople.
“We are able to give personal testimony to the admirable conduct
of the Ottoman soldier as well as the constant and most
successful efforts of the Turkish officers to prevent pillage
and to protect the Christian inhabitants in every way. The
Greeks, who are returning to their homesteads in very great
numbers, declared themselves very satisfied with their
treatment. The Greek inhabitants of the surrounding villages
have sent deputations to solicit the protection of the Turkish
troops.
“After the departure of the Greek military authorities from
Larissa the Greek Governor liberated the prisoners from the
penitentiary and provided them with rifles. These latter,
together with other lawless elements, did a deal of damage and
pillage at Larissa during the twenty-four hours which elapsed
before the arrival of the Turkish troops. The truth of this
statement is confirmed by the Greek inhabitants, as also by the
Greek priests.
“Only one Greek village, Deliler, has been partially burnt, and
this was due to the obstinate fight last Friday in the place
itself. Several houses have been demolished here and there from
whence shots had been fired on the Turkish soldiery. But the
discipline and conduct of the Turkish Army have been admirable,
and can be most favourably compared with that of the best troops
of the world. All the Europeans with the Army are of this
opinion.
“_Signed by_:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account