20 Mar 1919: Defeated Turk Orders Killing, Washington Herald

washington herald 20mar1919

DEFEATED TURK ORDERS KILLING
Greeks Capture Documents Directing Massacre in Aidin Province

The Washington Herald. Washington, D.C.
20 March 1919

Paris, March 19. - Greek delegates
have learned that the Turks recent-
ly laid plans for a wholesale mas-
sacre   in   the Province of   Aidin,
which   is   largely    populated    by
Greeks, it was announced today.
   The plans were revealed through
orders captured from the Turks.
The first, dated February 25 and
signed   by the commander of the
Aidin gendarmery, reads:
   "I call your attention to the at-
titude of the Greeks toward Mus-
sulmans. We must exterminate this
base, miserable nation."

Allies Take Precautions.
   The order declares that money and
arms have been distributed among
well-known comitadjis for this purpose.
More is promised if the plans are car-
ried out successfully. The order con-
cludes with the instruction to "act
freely with women, regardless of their
honour."
A second order said:
"The Greeks may be expected to ex-
press openly   their sentiments for
Greece. Immediately each citizen is
expected to do his duty and join in a
general   massacre. Each should kill
four or five Greeks. Oral instructions
will be given as to the methods of exe-
cuting this order."
   As soon as the orders were seized
allied representatives took necessary
precautions.