An item reported that on or about 14 February the French steamship Espoir loaded with coal underway from Heraclea towards Mersina was stopped by a Greek warship in Greek territorial waters and brought to a harbour. The French cabinet protested strongly against this act while the coal was needed for commercial purposes at Oilicia. The Greek government however stated that the coal was contraband of war to aid Kemalist ammunition transports from Mersina. The coal was put into the prize out in contrary to the ship was to be released. France threatened with retaliation if the coal was not given back.(1)
Note
1. Greece and Turkey/Turkish National Movement were at war between 15 May 1919 and 11 October 1922 ending in a Turkish victory and recognisation of the independent Republic Turkey., preceded by the Ottoman Empire. Kemalists were the followers of the founding official ideology of the republic (Kemalism), implemented by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk who became the first Turkish president.
Source
The National Archives, Kew Gardens, England CAB-24-133-91
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