Greece, perceiving Macedonia as an essential element…

Greece, perceiving Macedonia as an essential element of the Megali Idea, will hold vehemently to its claims, first against the Ottoman Empire and then against other Balkan nations. (Elements of this policy remain in force today.)

The incorporation of Thessaly has brought the northern frontier of Greece to the borders of Macedonia, which, with its mixed population of Greeks, Bulgarians, Serbs, Albanians, Turks, Vlachs, and Gypsies, is a byword for ethnic complexity.

It has also brought Greece into contention with Serbia and Bulgaria, all of which cast covetous eyes over Macedonia, which remains under Ottoman rule.

Initially, the contest is conducted by means of ecclesiastical, educational, and cultural propaganda.

Efforts to impose either Greek or Slavic culture in Macedonia will eventually lead to terrorist violence and atrocities and a perpetually volatile situation.