Further developments of Russian politics may yet have a direct effect on the final solution of the problems surrounding the defeated Ottoman Empire. But the author has preferred to maintain the original text of his book, written early in March this year, and to make no changes whatever in the conclusions he had then arrived at as a result of the fresh impressions he carried away from Turkey. CONTENTS CHAPTER I PAGE At the outbreak of war in Germany--The German "world-politicians" (_Weltpolitiker_)--German and English mentality--The "place in the sun"--England's declaration of war--German methods in Belgium and Alsace-Lorraine--Prussian arrogance--Militaristic journalism 17 CHAPTER II To Constantinople--Pro-Turkish considerations--The dilemma of a Gallipoli correspondent--Under German military control 35 CHAPTER III The great Armenian persecutions--The system of Talaat and Enver--A denunciation of Germany as a cowardly and conscienceless accomplice 42 CHAPTER IV The tide of war--Enver's offensive for the "liberation of the Caucasus"--The Dardanelles Campaign; the fate of Constantinople twice hangs in the balance--Nervous tension in international Pera--Bulgaria's attitude--Turkish rancour against her former enemy--German illusions of a separate peace with Russia--King Ferdinand's time-serving--Lack of munitions in the Dardanelles--A mysterious death: a political murder?--The evacuation of Gallipoli--The Turkish version of victory--Constantinople unreleased--Kut-el-Amara--Propaganda for the "Holy War"--A prisoner of repute--Loyalty of Anglo-Indian officers--Turkish communiqués and their worth--The fall of Erzerum--Official lies--The treatment of prisoners--Political speculation with prisoners of war--Treatment of enemy subjects--Stagnation and lassitude in the summer of 1916--The Greeks in Turkey--Dread of Greek massacres--Rumania's entry--Terrible disappointment--The three phases of the war for Turkey 75 CHAPTER V The economic situation--Exaggerated Entente hopes--Hunger and suffering among the civil population--The system of requisitioning and the semi-official monopolists--Profiteering on the part of the Government clique--Frivolity and cynicism--The "Djemiet"--The delegates of the German _Zentraleinkaufsgesellschaft_ (Central Purchases Commission)--A hard battle between German and Turkish intrigue--Reform of the coinage--Paper money and its depreciation--The hoarding of bullion--The Russian rouble the best investment 107 CHAPTER VI