The
Russian minister also stated that the Powers offered to assist at the
meetings, in case any fresh difficulties should arise.
You must not imagine from this that there are to be two treaties of
peace. There will of course be but one; however, lest you should be
confused as to how it is that the Powers, having arranged a treaty which
was signed by Turkey, are now conveying a message to Greece asking her
to send her ministers to arrange another treaty, it is best to explain
the matter to you.
The business of the Powers was to find out on what terms the Sultan was
willing to make peace with Greece. They had no right to promise that
Greece would accept the terms Turkey offered; they could only use their
influence to have the terms as easy as possible.
The terms of peace being agreed upon between the Sultan and the Powers,
they signed their names to the document, to show that they meant to keep
their promises.
The signing of this paper does not necessarily mean that the final
treaty of peace is to be exactly like it, but merely that the Sultan is
willing to agree that the frontier shall be laid out as has been agreed
upon with the Powers, the Greeks to pay not less than a certain sum, and
Thessaly to be evacuated (the Turkish troops withdrawn from it) not
later than a certain date.
On this basis Turkey and Greece will meet, and draw up the final treaty,
which both sovereigns will sign, and which will bind them to carry out
all it provides.
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