Επιστολή της Manchester Engineering Co. προς τον Ε.Βενιζέλο σχετικά με την απόδοση στην Ελλάδα των νησιών του Αιγαίου.

No. 1 (Encl. to : ) His Excellency Mr.E.Venizelos COPY SIR: From a source intimately acquainted with the Levant it is pointed out that if the Aegean Islands come under Greek rule they will undergo a remarkable development due to the enterprising character of the people of that nationality, and that England's commercial interest lies in the territorial expansion of Greece, our UNALIENABLE friend, as being the only oriental nation capable of bringing prosperity to the territories ac- quired from Turkey by conquest; further that Greece politically would serve as a counterpoise to contrary influences in the Mediterranean. The policy of His Majesty's Government not to allow any of the Islands taken from Turkey to pass definitively into the possession of any Great Power is beyond all doubt correct. Their loss to Turkey can only be slight, and it is difficult to see how there would be any permanency in a settlement that would leave them in other hands than those of the Power representing 94% ( ninety four per cent ) of their population, namely Greece. To do otherwise would surely be inviting a repetition of the experience with CRETE - constant friction and trouble, ending in a crisis and probably another war. We are taking the liberty of submitting these considerations to you in view of the interrupted peace negotiations, and have the honour to remain, SIR, Yours obedient servants (Signed) P.pn.MANCHESTER ENGINEERING CO. Alexr.MacKean To The Right Hon.Sir Edward Grey Bart. K.G. &c. January 21st 1913 MANCHESTER ENGINEERING CO. STALVERIDGE, January 14th 1913