As to the slight changes asked for, the Powers had informed Turkey early in the conference that they would be willing to meet her wishes in regard to the frontier line if it was possible to do so.
Everything seemed in train for a speedy peace. In addition to being willing to give up Thessaly, the Sultan had also intimated that he would reduce the sum of money asked for as war indemnity. When first the negotiations were commenced, Turkey demanded $50,000,000. It was said that she would now accept $20,000,000.
The Ambassadors were prepared to have the Porte (the Turkish Government) ask that all the mountain passes between Greece and Turkey should be given to Turkey, and that the army should continue to occupy Thessaly until the war indemnity was paid. They thought that the final understanding would be reached at the very next meeting.
They were doomed to disappointment. The following day, when the conference assembled, Tewfik Pasha kept the Ambassadors waiting a long time for him, and, when he at last appeared, laid a new frontier plan before the diplomats.
To their surprise, they found that the frontier demanded was mapped out in direct opposition to their wishes.
They one and all declined to discuss it, and informed Tewfik that they would adjourn until he brought a written acceptance of the frontier as they had designated it, and the meeting broke up with unpleasant feeling on both sides.
The military experts who had arranged the frontier line had appointed the day after this stormy interview to meet the Turkish frontier commission.
They waited and waited, but the Turks did not put in an appearance.
They then went over and reported the fact to the Ambassadors, who had met together in the council room—in the hope that Tewfik would come with the written acceptance.
The hours went by and brought no Tewfik.