RAUF AND REFET BEYS' INDECISION

Now let us return to the question of the signatures.

I wanted my comrades who had just arrived also to sign the draft of the circular we were speaking about. Rauf Bey and Refet Bey were at that moment in my room; Fuat Pasha was in another.

Rauf Bey politely expressed that because he is just a visitor he has no authority or interest to sign this document. I pressed him to sign, assuring him that this document would be of historical value: this induced him to sign.

Refet Bey, however, declined, saying that he could not understand why and with what object we were convening the congress.

I was astounded at his attitude and mentality. It seemed incredible to me that a comrade whom I had brought with me from Istanbul could take such an extraordinary view about so simple a question, especially as he understood perfectly well what we were going to do. I sent for Fuat Pasha, and as soon as he understood my point of view he signed. I told him that I could not understand why Refet Bey had demurred. After Fuat Pasha had reproached him rather sharply, Refet picked up the draft and put some sort of signature to it, which it is rather difficult to make out. This is the document I am talking about. All who are interested in it might like to look at it.

Gentlemen: At first sight this account might appear to be superfluous. I have submitted it to you, because I think it will throw some light on certain dark points connected with subsequent events.