sep 15, 1922 - The Chanak Affair (Political)

Description:

Who:
Canada (Prime Minister King), Britain, Turkey.

What:
This was Prime Minister King's first foreign policy test. Forces of Turkey were threatening the British troops stationed in Turkey after Work War 1. After Turkish forces successfully pushed Greek forces out of Turkey, they threatened the British forces near Chanak. On September 15, Britain sent out a telegram which ordered its Dominions to send out soldiers to show how powerful Britain was against Turkey. King did not provide Britain with Canada's military forced right away. King's Cabinet decided only the Parliament could decide whether Canada would contribute soldiers.

Where:
Chanak, Turkey

Why:
Military forces of Britain, France, and Greece took up a large amount of land in western Turkey because of the Treaty of Sevres. This was forced on Turkey because of its loss in World War 1.

This was significant because it was another moment in history when Canada made another step to independence. King did not send out military forces to help the British, even though Britain ordered them. Going against Britain's orders may have seemed like betrayal, but it was King making decisions for Canada, instead following every command Britain gives without question.

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