It was only possible to hand him this letter at 6 A.M. next day. The “Bryony” remained at anchor beyond the landing-place, throwing her searchlights over the beach and the adjoining hills all night long, in order to reassure the refugees.
May 16.—At 9 A.M. the commission landed, in order to collect all possible information from the refugees on the beach. One wounded and two dead men were brought along by the natives.
The refugees stated that the day before a group of them, about twenty strong, tried to get to Guemlek in order to procure bread. They left the village, and, on arriving at the landing-place, met a detachment of Greek soldiers and brigands, commanded by a Greek officer. The women were sent back to the village, and the men were forced to follow the bandits. On the way some of the men were given the order to return, and others were killed, the muktar being among the latter.
At 10 o’clock the commission reached the village, which was completely destroyed. A corporal and ten men sent by General Leonardopoulos (before the arrival of the letter sent that morning, which he could not have received) were on guard. The corporal was questioned by the commission.
On returning to the landing-place, a Greek staff officer, sent by the general commanding the Greek division, was waiting for the commission. At the request of the latter he assured the refugees that they would be properly protected, a promise which had no effect on the population.
The commission then made for Kapakli. The village was entirely destroyed. Two or three terrified inhabitants were found among the ruins. They told the commission that the natives were hidden in the mountains, fearing that they would be killed on appearing.
The commission went through the village and found eight corpses, four of which were those of women. Three of the dead men had been killed a fortnight before, in a preceding engagement. The five others had been killed during the morning of the preceding day. The commission found an infant which had been abandoned and which was taken on board.
The three survivors begged the Commission to take them to a safe spot. They were told to inform the refugees who were hiding in the mountains, and that if all assembled on the beach they would be taken to Kutchuk Kumlar next day.
The commission made for Narli, which village was found to be entirely destroyed. There were no dead to be seen and there was only one remaining inhabitant—an old Turk—who said that he was quite happy, and who made the commission feel that its visit was an intrusion!
The “Bryony” remained anchored outside Kutchuk Kumlar all night, we having returned to that spot.