Greece and Turkey: The regime of the Straits, Lemnos and Samothrace

The Straits became an international problem in 1774, when Russia sent ships through that waterway into the Mediterranean. That waterway was also a potential passage for British goods and personnel en route to India. The downfall of the Russian and Ottoman Empires at the end of the First World War did not solve the Straits problem; indeed, it only made the problem more acute.

In 1912, Greece, having occupied the northern and easter Aegean Islands, had acquired a significant position in the area of the Straits. Her role in that area, especially between 1919 and 1936, has been neglected by historians. This study attempts to fill the gap. It is based upon all available records, many of which had only recently been open to research. As you shall see, the possession of the two islands, Lemnos and Samothrace, at the entracne of the Straits meant that Greece had a vital interest in the Straits Question, and it is upon this aspect that this study concentrates. In dealing with the events leading to the Convention at Montreaux in 1936, this book gives a detailed account of the developments of Greek and Turkish relations with the Balkan states and with Italy who was attempting to expand in the Eastern Mediterranean.