If the significance of historical events is measured by the reactions, whether positive or negative, they provoke, the Greek-Turkish Economic Agreement of June 10, 1930, rightfully holds a special place in the diplomatic history of Greece during the interwar period, referenced in related textbooks as a turning point in relations between Athens and Ankara.

A fair and historically necessary compromise according to its supporters, a unilateral abandonment of conventionally protected rights according to its critics, the Economic Agreement remains, even today, a controversial issue.

The Agreement, which regulated the outstanding issues that arose from the implementation of the Lausanne Convention for the Exchange of Populations, undeniably involved a sacrifice on the part of Greece, at least on an economic level.

However, the Greek retreat was not a contingent choice, nor was it exclusively a result of Athens' unfavorable negotiating position compared to that of Ankara.

It was primarily the outcome of the foreign policy inaugurated by Eleftherios Venizelos after his electoral triumph in August 1928, which primarily aimed for Greek-Turkish rapprochement.

In this context, it was evident that the success of the Cretan politician’s plans would be impossible unless the outstanding issues related to the Exchange of Populations, particularly the problem of refugees' properties, were resolved, in one way or another, beforehand.

[Excerpt from the text on the back cover of the edition]