SOUTH-EASTERN EUROPE.

CONFIDENTIAL.

[C 4881/4881/7]

Mr. Lindley to the Marquess Curzon of Kedleston—(Received April3.)

(No. 157.)

My Lord, Athens, March25, 1922.

I HAVE the honour to transmit herewith copy of a letter I have received from Lieutenant-Colonel Corfe, president of the Mixed Commission on Graco-Bulgarian Reciprocal Emigration, which was appointed by virtue of article 8 of the convention signed by Greece and Bulgaria at Neuilly on the 27th November, 1919 (“Miscellaneous No. 3 (1920)”).

In his letter Colonel Corfe draws special attention to the fact that the Greek Government have not yet passed the legislation which is stipulated for in article 15 of the convention and which is necessary for the commission to carry on its work. This omission is a typical instance of Greek disorganisation and slackness and is entirely opposed to Greek interests. I will mention the matter unofficially to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and point out to his Excellency that the failure of the Greek Government to carry out article 15 of the convention is almost forcing the Bulgarian population of Greek Macedonia to insist on remaining in or returning to their homes.

In connection with the financing of this emigration, I have the honour to transmit herewith copy of a telegram from the Mixed Commission to the League of Nations recommending that certain revenues in Thrace should be earmarked for the purpose and placed under the control of the existing International Financial Commission at Athens. The idea appears to me to be worthy of consideration, but it is to be presumed that the League of Nations will move directly in the matter should they approve.

Colonel Corfe also encloses a memorandum on the whole subject of Macedonian emigration, to which I venture to draw your Lordship's particular attention. The position, put as shortly as possible, is the following: Under the Græco-Bulgarian Convention of Neuilly, which has been ratified, provision is made for those on each side who desire to emigrate, and the Mixed Commission has been appointed to facilitate such emigration. The Treaty of Sevres between the Principal Allied and Associated Powers and Greece, which has not been ratified, contains safeguards for those who do not desire to emigrate.