Today in History – 23 March

The Sultan pleased with the occupation of İstanbul

According to the British General Headquarters report dated March 23, 1920, Sultan Mehmet Vahdettin VI was pleased with the occupation that had deactivated the nationalists in İstanbul, as he was convinced that his own ineffective forces would not be able to handle them. Allegedly saying “Had you not arrested the Kemalists, I would,” according to the report, the sultan was particularly delighted by hearing the High Commissioners’ assurance that the occupation was temporary and was merely designed to reinforce his authority.

Refusing to prosecute Kuvayi Milliye (National Forces), Salih Pasha, who was the Grand Vizier at the time the report was written, refused to hold this position any longer and handed the Viziership to Damat Ferit shortly thereafter.