Today in History – 11 December

French

When İsmet Pasha was appointed to represent Turkey at the Lausanne Conference, some opposed the decision on the grounds that he was not experienced in diplomacy and did not have sufficient grasp of French.

The first objection was justified. As someone who spent most of his life on the battlefield, İsmet Pasha did not have any profound experience in diplomacy. Although İnönü admittedly struggled with that at first, he adds that he turned certain situations to his advantage by acting with the reasoning of a soldier.

The language problem was another issue. İsmet Pasha spoke French, but was a little rusty, as he had not used it in years. Nonetheless, he preferred to conduct the negotiations himself, without an interpreter. He explained the reason years later, as follows:

As the negotiations continued at Lausanne, a delegation approached me and said, “Your French is very poor and very difficult to understand. Why not continue the negotiations with the help of an interpreter?”

I said to then,” Language is of no importance to me. I am not here to pass a proficiency test. I am here to speak my mind and understand what I’m being told. Still, if you prefer an interpreter, then I shall accept it!”

Nihat Reşat Belger was with us. He was almost a native speaker in English and French. We appointed him as the interpreter and began the proceedings… I said a few things. He embellished my words, made additions, spoke in long sentences. What he said was eloquent, but not my exact words. I made him repeat. When I saw that it was to no avail, I had my words written down and made him repeat them verbatim.

The next day, a group of representatives from the opposing delegation came, “Fine, fine. You can continue, as you will. We understand you well,” they said.