The commission went back on board the “Bryony” and made for Kapakli, in order to tow the two caiques, which were brought back full of refugees to Kutchuk-Kumlar.
On arriving at Kumlar, the representative of the Red Cross stated that he had spoken with the brigand chief, who had arrived at the landing-place during the absence of the “Bryony” in order to terrorise the refugees and boast of his doings. A message was sent to General Leonardopoulos, advising him of the arrival of the brigand chief.
The “Bryony” remained anchored outside Kutchuk Kumlar during the night.
May 18.—At 8 o’clock the “Bryony” returned to Guemlek. At 9 o’clock the commission went ashore and visited the Turkish quarter and a mosque full of Moslem refugees.
The commission conducted its enquiry at the seat of the Turkish Administration. All the people were filled with terror, received no food beyond what they could procure themselves and asked to be taken away and sent to some quiet place.
On returning on board, the commission received a wireless message at 1 P.M., stating that the “Ineboli” had just left Constantinople to take on board refugees from Kutchuk Kumlar.
The commission returned to Guemlek, visited the mayor, and informed him of its intention to take away the Turkish refugees.
At 6·30 we returned to Kutchuk Kumlar. At 9 o’clock the boat arrived and took the refugees on board, the baby which we had on board being handed over to the care of a Turkish woman. Embarkation was completed at 2 A.M., and the “Ineboli” left for Constantinople.
May 19.—The “Bryony” remained anchored beyond Kutchuk Kumlar. Those refugees for whom there had been no room on board the “Ineboli,” and who had been left behind, gained confidence, and several returned to the village to obtain provisions.
At 1 o’clock the brigand chief, Haji Yorghi (who had been met by the representative of the Red Cross), was brought on board by a staff officer on the order of the general commanding the Greek troops. He said that he had been drunk when he boasted the day before, and that in reality he was guide to the Greek detachment sent to disarm the villagers.