868.48/150: Telegram
The High Commissioner at Constantinople (Bristol) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:54 p.m.]
225. Department’s 152 September 25, 5 p.m.20 Kemal’s reply September 25th to Italian Admiral refused responsibility permitting Greek vessels enter Smyrna pending reference to his Government. (See my 183 [193] September 19, 5 [3] p.m.) On September 22 the commanding officer of our destroyer at Smyrna received in answer to his request official notification from the Turkish authorities to effect that Greek vessel could enter Smyrna for evacuation purposes providing not flying Greek flag; not to come alongside quay and no officers or men allowed on shore. American destroyer carried this information same night to Greek vessels which were then at Mytilene. September 24th seven Greek vessels arrived at Smyrna and evacuated 15,000 refugees. (See my despatch number 216 September 25, 2 p.m.20) The Turkish troops assisted efficiently in embarking these refugees and 50 of our sailors also helped relief workers in handling refugees. September 25th no Greek vessels arrived at Smyrna but on September 26 my senior officer Smyrna informed me 43,000 refugees evacuated to Mytilene that date and that he expected more ships the 27th. Nationality of ships referred to is not stated. On September 25th following [apparent omission] from the High Commissioners reported in my 217 September 25, 5 p.m., and as stated therein I issued instructions my naval representative Smyrna to approach Nationalist authorities and endeavor to obtain permission to prolong time for evacuation of refugees beyond October 1st and to expedite all evacuation measures. Thus far no information of arrival any British vessels to assist evacuation.
[Page 437]Referring to last paragraph Department’s above mentioned telegram question of projected time limit for evacuation still pending. Ail men from 18 to 45 have been separated from other refugees. Part have been employed both in city and outside cleaning debris and restoring railroad but impossible to obtain reliable information as to disposition of majority. There were also other refugees deported to the interior but it is impossible to estimate the numbers.
I will inform Department immediately on receipt of information concerning prolongation of time limit.