1921, November 14th, Monday.
The fifth day of the Ottoman government's seven-day ultimatum to the Allied Powers dawned over Constantinople, and with it, an almost unbearable tension. Sultan Murad VII could feel the city holding its breath. The initial flurry of diplomatic activity following Reşid Akif Pasha's démarche had given way to a pregnant silence from the Allied High Commissions. This silence, Murad knew, was not indicative of acquiescence, but of intense internal deliberation, and likely, preparation for a response that could range from grudging concession to outright hostility. Two days remained until the deadline.
Murad's morning began with a crucial report from Kolağası Esad Bey, whose Imperial Guard Intelligence Directorate was rapidly proving its indispensable worth. Tevfik Pasha was present, his face etched with concern. "Your Imperial Majesty, Your Highness," Esad commenced, his voice low and precise, "the interrogation of Mahmud Bey and his four accomplices has yielded significant information. Under… persuasive questioning, Mahmud Bey confessed that their plan to disseminate seditious pamphlets was indeed actively encouraged and partially funded by the French dragoman, Monsieur Dubois, whom we had previously identified. Dubois apparently saw an opportunity to destabilize Your Majesty's new government, hoping it might lead to the reinstatement of a more… compliant administration like Damat Ferid Pasha's." "So, direct foreign instigation of sedition within my capital," Murad stated, his voice dangerously soft. "This goes beyond mere intelligence gathering or diplomatic maneuvering by the French. This is an act of overt political sabotage." "Indeed, Your Majesty," Esad continued. "Mahmud Bey also revealed the names of several other mid-level officials and merchants who were part of their discontented circle, though he insists their direct involvement in the pamphlet scheme was minimal. He claims their main objective was to create an atmosphere of public unrest that might force Your Majesty to moderate your… assertive new policies." "His claims of their 'minimal' involvement will be thoroughly investigated," Murad said. "For now, Mahmud Bey and his immediate cell are neutralized. What of Monsieur Dubois?" "That is a matter for diplomacy, Your Majesty," Tevfik Pasha interjected carefully. "Reşid Akif Pasha must be informed. A discreet but firm protest must be lodged with the French High Commissioner, General Pellé, perhaps presenting some of Mahmud Bey's corroborated testimony regarding Dubois's actions. It will be another test of Pellé's earlier indications of being more 'reasonable' than Harington. Will he discipline his own agent, or will he defend him?" "Instruct Reşid Akif Pasha accordingly, Tevfik," Murad commanded. "Let Pellé understand that we have proof of his agent's interference. It may give Reşid Akif some leverage in other matters. Esad Bey, continue to monitor the other names Mahmud Bey provided. The roots of this network must be completely severed."
Later that morning, Cavit Bey, the Minister of Finance, sought an audience. He carried with him the newly signed and sealed Hatt-ı Hümayun, the Imperial Decree granting his ministry full authority to investigate financial irregularities. "Your Majesty," Cavit said, a grim determination in his eyes, "armed with your decree, I intend to make my first formal move today against one of the most egregious cases of protected tax evasion we have identified – a certain textile magnate in Galata, an Ottoman subject of foreign extraction who has historically used his foreign 'protection' and connections to the Allied business community to avoid nearly all Imperial taxes for years, despite amassing a vast fortune." "And you anticipate resistance?" Murad asked. "I anticipate howls of protest, Your Majesty, and immediate appeals from him to his foreign patrons, likely the British or French High Commissions, claiming persecution and breach of Capitulatory rights," Cavit replied. "But your Hatt-ı Hümayun is clear: where illegality is evident, no special status grants immunity from Ottoman law regarding taxes due to the Imperial Treasury. This will be a test case. If we succeed here, it will open the door to reclaiming substantial lost revenues from dozens of similar entities." "Proceed with courage and diligence, Cavit Bey," Murad said. "Ensure your case is legally unassailable. Reşid Akif Pasha will be prepared for the inevitable diplomatic complaints. We must show that the law in this Empire applies equally to all who profit from its markets, especially in this time of national crisis."
Meanwhile, Ferik Fevzi Pasha, Minister of War, brought news that was a much-needed balm to the pervasive tension. "Your Imperial Majesty," he reported, his soldierly face almost beaming, "the arms shipment from Kaplan, the Circassian trader, was successfully transported from the coast and secured at the Belgrade Forest depot before dawn yesterday. Every rifle, every machine gun, every crate of ammunition is accounted for. The effect on the morale of the first Hassa Ordusu recruits, who have been training with barely a hundred serviceable rifles between them, has been… transformative. To feel solid, modern weaponry in their hands again… it has rekindled their spirit." He outlined how the Mosin-Nagant rifles, though Russian, were sturdy and reliable, and the Maxim guns, though heavy, would provide crucial defensive firepower. "My instructors have already begun familiarization training. These men are learning fast. Within a few weeks, we will have a core brigade that can, at the very least, secure this palace and key government installations against any internal insurrection, and perhaps even provide a credible deterrent against… limited external actions." "This is excellent news, Fevzi Pasha," Murad said, a genuine smile gracing his lips for the first time that day. "This is the foundation of our renewed strength. Now, what of deploying some of these men, discreetly, to bolster security here and at the Sublime Porte, as we discussed?" "Preparations are underway, Your Majesty. Small detachments, in the uniforms of the regular palace guard but composed of Hassa Ordusu veterans, will begin to supplement existing sentries from tomorrow. Their primary role will be observation and enhanced perimeter security, especially for key ministers and yourself, given the current climate."
The "current climate" indeed continued to be oppressive. Reşid Akif Pasha reported no formal response yet from the Allied High Commissions regarding the Port Authority. "They are maintaining their silence, Your Majesty," he said. "But it is an active silence. My sources indicate intense, almost daily, consultations between Harington, Pellé, and Garroni. They are clearly debating their response to our one-week deadline." Esad Bey's intelligence added a more sinister dimension. "The Allied counter-intelligence efforts to identify the source of the Port Authority leak – Arif Efendi – have escalated significantly, Your Majesty. They are employing… coercive interrogation methods on several detained Port Authority clerks suspected of disloyalty. Arif Efendi's former colleagues are under immense pressure. While Arif and his family remain secure for now, the noose is tightening. The Allies are also, I believe, attempting to plant their own informants within our ministries at a higher level than before, trying to gauge our resolve and discover our contingency plans for when the week expires."
That evening, Murad convened his core "war council" – Tevfik, Cavit, Fevzi, Reşid Akif, and Esad. The mood was somber but resolute. Only two full days remained until the ultimatum regarding the Port Authority expired on the evening of Wednesday, November 16th. "Gentlemen," Murad began, "we must assume the worst: that the Allies will either offer us nothing, or a set of meaningless, cosmetic 'reforms' to the Port Commission that preserve their control and profits. We must be prepared to act decisively if that is the case." Cavit Bey confirmed, "The full dossier detailing their corruption, 'The Ledger of Lies,' is complete, Your Majesty. It includes photographic evidence, translated summaries, and a clear narrative of the systematic plunder. It is ready for dissemination to our chosen international press contacts and neutral legations should you give the order." Reşid Akif Pasha presented the draft of a final diplomatic note he had prepared. "If their response on Wednesday is unsatisfactory, Your Majesty, this note will be delivered. It formally rejects their proposal (or lack thereof), reiterates our unshakeable position on the need for genuine reform and Ottoman participation, and states that due to their unwillingness to address this grave matter internally and transparently, the Ottoman government now feels a moral obligation to bring the evidence of this corruption to the attention of the wider international community, so that global public opinion may judge." "A declaration of diplomatic war, in effect," Tevfik Pasha murmured. "A necessary one, if they leave us no other honorable option," Murad stated. "Fevzi Pasha, your Hassa Ordusu elements must be at their highest state of alert from Wednesday evening onwards. Key government buildings, communication centers, my own person, and those of my ministers must be secured against any sudden Allied retaliation or an internal coup attempt by their sympathizers." "My men will be ready, Your Majesty," Fevzi affirmed. "Though we are still few, we are loyal and now adequately armed for defensive action within the city." Esad Bey added, "My directorate will focus on monitoring immediate Allied military responses and any attempts to incite public disorder. We will also prepare to counter their inevitable propaganda offensive should the dossier be released."
Murad looked at each man in turn. They were a small, beleaguered team, standing against a tidal wave. Yet, in their eyes, he saw not fear, but a grim determination that mirrored his own. "Two more days," Murad said, his voice quiet but firm. "Two more days for them to choose a path of reason. If they do not, then we unleash a storm they will not soon forget. Prepare yourselves, gentlemen. The noose may be tightening around us, but we hold a blade sharp enough to cut it, if we have the courage to wield it." The council dispersed, each man returning to his duties with a heightened sense of the impending crisis. Murad remained alone in his study, the weight of the coming confrontation pressing heavily upon him. He had chosen this path of defiance. Soon, he would know its price.