BRITISH MODESTY IN CONSTANTINOPLE.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 52, 1 March 1919, Page 17

BRITISH MODESTY IN CONSTANTINOPLE.

One of the f__s most clearly demonstrated by the war _ that beyond all peoples in history the British are aggressive as foes, inflexible as captives, and indulgent as conquerors.

This is the conclusion drawn by "Pers.," who writes to the "Times" of December 16th.

At the present time, when querulous German protests against the ADied terms of armistice are still being raieed, and a fresh baseless legend is being carefully nurtur'- ' in Germany to be foisted upon poster-./, it may be well to put on record a few little-known instances of British forbearance as they presented themselves to observers in Constantinople.

We who had lived with the Turk and his German ally knew with what cruel joy of anticipation both had looked forward to the victory which they long considered sure, promising themselves a merciless delight in the woes of the vanquished.

But when so suddenly the wheel of fortune turned, when the Allied arms completely triumphed, and a great Allied Fleet and a strong Allied Army lay ready on the frontiers of Turkey, -we expected to see some formal putting down of the German mighty from their seats, some memorable and unmistakable assertion of the victory of Great Britain over Turkey and her German allies, which would make a lasting impression on the Oriental mind. But, instead, what happened? THE RATTLING SABRE For a fortnight after the Turks had surrendered no Allied forces approached their capital. The Fleet could not, for its passage was still barred by mines which needed sweeping. The Army did not, for in your kindness of heart you had promised the Turks not to occupy any more of their territory unless compelled to do so by outbreaks of disorder. During all that fortnight the Germans continued to trail their rattling sabres in the streets of Constantinople, and the Young Turk party strove to regain credit by representing the peace as one of honourable compromise and not of defeat. And .hen art last British officers did begin to arrive by sea, it was with no conquering flourish that they came. They landed inconspicuously on the quay, and took rooms at the Pera Palace like ordinary travelers. In plain khaki, and armed only with walking sticks, they cut a modest figure beside spick and span German Junkers, with rows of medals and with automatic pistols conspicuous at their belts, who •had still, thanks to your leniency, a fortnight more in which to take their leisurely departure. A CONTRAST. To us who knew what would have been the treatment meted out by the Germans had the conditions been reversed, the situation seemed quixotic One saw British colonels tramping over to Stamboul on foot while German, subalterns swept past them, in big motor-cars, splashing them with Constantinople mud. Although your officers needed transport facilities urgently, nothing could Be done to obtain them by confiscation of these German cars, for your armistice did not provide for tlie surrender of the German material de guerre in Turkey, and you stood scrupulously by its terms. Paradox went even further. The Germans were obviously without the means to evacuate all their equipment from Turkey, and their army drivers, knowing that there was no Government in Germany capable of holding them responsible for the property committed to their charge, began to sell their cars to Greeks in the city, and pocket the proceeds. If current report was correct, some of these cars were actnally resold to the British Army. THE HUN POINT OF "VTEW. And lastly, when the Germans finally avowed that they could not get away from Turkey within t_e month stipulated by the Turkish armistice because they had neither the ships nor the coal to do it, the British authorities came to their rescue and supplied the coal, if not the ships, to take them to Odessa, although they would have been entirely within their rights in retaining them all as prisoners of war. We onlookers do not know whether to admire or condemn these exaggerations of forbearance. But there is no doubt how the Germans consider them. They despise your mQdneas and take it as a tribute of involuntary respect to themselves.