Corespondance

I have called to let you know how disastrous an impression Ankara now has, after they learnt that the Bank had demanded a guarantee of the Ministry of Finance to open a credit of 100,000 liras to İbrahim Bey, notwithstanding that I, Ambassador to Berlin, had been entrusted by the Ghazi and by İsmet Pasha with asking this credit from the Bank, and that I had furthermore given to your General Manager a tezkere signed by the Ministers of Trade and Agriculture. The Ghazi and the Prime Minister have told me that they had wanted to test the Bank, in order to see the extent of its willing ness to support those whom they recommended. However, since the Bank had imposed conditions, they will now ensure that İbrahim Bey's demands be satisfied otherwise. Indeed, the Council [of ministers] has granted İbrahim Bey a credit of 200,000 liras, and, if necessary, 300,000. Nevertheless, I repeat, the Bank's action has produced a very negative impression on the leaders and I may say that the attitude of the Bank towards us has aroused some distrust. I beg you to tell Monsieur Steeg that I will come to see him to take back the two Ministers' letter of recommendation. The Bank should know, once and for all, that we, in Ankara, are decided to enrich our compatriots and friends who deserve encouragement and who possess all the qualities required to hold an important position in the country. If the Bank intends to preserve its prestige and its existence, it should help out those whom we recommend. We leaders are determined to live as modestly as possible. However we are determined at all cost ensure the prosperity of our compatriots who have remained in the background until now, because we are convinced that the moment we need them, they will always be ready to help their Homeland, both with their fortune and their blood. Let your Bank know one thing: that the present leaders are people of determination and iron will. In the same way that we have been able to spend 12 million liras to crush a rebellion, one day, we may find 15 to 20 millions to give to a Bank of our own, and then we will bid your Bank farewell. We consider Monsieur Steeg to be a friend of the Turks, and that is why we want to share these thoughts with him in the clearest way possible. I beg you to salute him on my behalf and to tell him what I have told you.