MISS GRACE ELLISON.
The first British woman to visit Angora since the beginning of the Nationalist Movement. She has always stood for Anglo-Turkish friendship.
Frontispiece

At the time of writing I am the only Englishwoman whohas been in Angora since the Nationalist movementbegan.

Others, moved by curiosity, have sought permissionto visit the country under its new régime, butNationalist Turkey has bidden them wait—until sheis sure that her guests will write, or speak, the truthabout what they may see, and can be trusted toforget the prejudices with which they would almostcertainly arrive.

For myself, I have three times been welcomed toTurkey with open arms on account of my nationality.On this occasion I was still welcome, but in spite ofmy nationality—an ugly truth that my mind almostrefuses to accept.

To compare impressions from these visits one mustfirst ask: “How could such a change of attitude cometo pass?”

Formerly Great Britain was the country of allcountries that “counted” in Turkey. To be a“gentleman”—(they used the English word)—wasthe Turks’ highest ambition. British stuffs werechosen in preference to French, not because they werefiner or of greater value, but simply because they wereBritish. Our ideals, our policy, and, I must add,our governesses, were almost regarded as sacred inTurkish eyes.

And now I am advised, for greater safety, to travelas an American! God forbid! I stand by the oldflag.

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