A Peace Conference in Preparation for War: The Conference of London
Savaş Hazırlayan Barış Konferansı: Londra Konferansı

Summary/Abstract: The attempts of Entente Powers in invading the Ottoman territory following the Armistice of Mudros ushered a new era of struggle in Anatolia. This struggle turned against the invading powers as well as the Ottoman government, which remained indifferent towards the former. The National Struggle initiated under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Pasha sought for full independence, and denied the Treaty of Sèvres. In order to attain its goal, the National Struggle had to demonstrate itself on battlefields and distinguish itself during future peace talks.The victory of the Turkish armies in the First Battle of İnönü turned the course of events into a new direction. The Entente Powers now decided to organize the Conference of London.It was announced that the Conference of London was arranged for the sake of peace; yet, it entailed new designs of war.The Conference of London launched a multi-faceted process of ordeal for the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA). For Mustafa Kemal Pasha, exclusive representation of the TGNA in the Conference and putting the Ottoman government out of action was important. But was that idea merely confined to the conference in question?On the other hand, procuring the endorsement of the Entente Powers for the principles of National Pact constituted a problem in itself.The conference process would be a great opportunity for Mustafa Kemal Pasha for indicating the TGNA deputies the signs of the future Turkish State as well as the prospective political transformations.

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