OPPOSITION LEADER GENERAL IONNIS METAKSAS AND THE REFEGUEE ISSUEIN GREECE

Abstract

This study aims to introduce the Karamanlidika booklet, “Convention on the Exchange of Greek and Turkish Populations and the Statements of Freethinkers’ Party’s leader Ioannis Metaxas”, which was probably printed for propaganda in Athens in 1924, and also to present in the context of the booklet with the help of other sources, Metaxas’ opinions and suggestions for the refugee issue and the population exchange, taking into consideration the conditions of the period in Greece.The title of the booklet is in Greek and includes the text of the Treaty of Lausanne both in Greek and Karamanlidika. These texts are followed by press releases of Metaxas made between December of 1923 and June of 1924.The booklet argues that the issue of refugees is a result of Venizelos’ incorrect and inexpressible policy, the issue is abused by the political parties for elections, refugees experienced harsher conditions because of personal and political interests.

Keywords

• Karamanlidika
• Ioannis Metaxas
• Exchange of Population
• Refugees
• Greece