Chapter- 23 Ionian Islands (Part-2)

On the same day,

British Governor General Sir Frederick Adam was in his office with an annoyance visible in his face. When the protest started, he wrote an urgent letter about giving making a local government for the administration of Ionian Islands to the British Government authorities. But they strictly rejected it.

"This is utterly ridiculous,"

he exclaimed to his secretary Elias, frustration evident in his voice.

" I explicitly conveyed to them the fervent aspirations of the people residing in the Ionian Islands for self-government, but it seems like our concerns have been entirely disregarded. If citizens of Ionian Islands are given self-governance, I can guarantee you that they have never tried to entertain the idea of joining Kingdom of Greece. After all, once individuals have tasted the fruits of freedom, they cannot live their life without it. But our government has really high level of arrogance. They only care about their own pride."

Adam paced back and forth in his office, the weight of disappointment and frustration settling heavily upon his shoulders. With a deep breath, he gathered his thoughts and began to read the letter aloud to his secretary, each word increasing displeasure on his face.

"Dear Sir Frederick," it began, its tone formal and detached. "We have received your proposal to establish a local government for the administration of the Ionian Islands. After careful consideration, we regret to inform you that we have chosen to reject your proposal. Our assessment indicates that the Ionian Islands are not yet prepared for self-government. They require the guidance and protection of the British Government for the foreseeable future. Should the situation persist, we advise utilizing military force to quell any resistance."

Adam slammed his fist on the desk. "This is nonsense!"

Adam's hand trembled with a mix of anger and disbelief as he clutched the letter tightly. He had long been aware of the deep-rooted desire for autonomy among the people of the Ionian Islands. Their history, culture, and aspirations had woven a narrative of independence that could no longer be ignored. With the conquest of Ionian islands in 1809 and subsequent treaty of Paris in 1815, British administration not only rule over this land but also gave its citizens a chance to learn from western education. Because of this, Ionian Islands had become the most educated region in Balkans. Thats why he also realised it would be a matter of time before they got autonomy. So, he thought it would be a good if British government got a deal with them. If the deal was successful, British government might get a good support base in Ionian Islands. To dismiss their yearning for self-governance in such a callous manner struck him as not only unjust but entirely out of touch with the realities on the ground. Because of their foolishness, he might lose his life here.

His secretary, taken aback by the forcefulness of Adam's response, cautiously interjected, " The people of the Ionian Islands have been under British rule for generations. Since they want to make a government for themselves, they should get the chance. But the problem is about the British Government's pride, Sir. They have long maintained control over the Ionian Islands. It may not sit well with them to relinquish that control."

"I don't care about their pride," said Adam. "We cannot allow the aspirations and well-being of an entire population to be held hostage by a sense of false superiority. The people of the Ionian Islands deserve the fundamental right to govern themselves, to shape their own destinies."

A brief moment of silence hung in the air as the weight of Adam's words settled between them. Adam had no interest in dying here where he never did any mistakes. It would be better if he got fired from his job. With his wealth and properties, he could even settle in America if the necessity arose. Taking a deep breath, Adam continued, his voice steady but filled with conviction.

"I am aware that this decision may not align with the British Government's current stance, but my duty is to serve the interests and welfare of the people we govern. The people of the Ionian Islands deserve to be entrusted with the power to shape their future, to be the architects of their own prosperity."

Adam continued," I'm going to talk to those people standing outside. I need to convince them that my proposal is the best thing for the Ionian Islands."

His secretary replied,

"Sir, you should also show the letter to them. It may make the situation more believable to them."

Adam asked,

"Are you sure that it will be better?"

Secretary said,

"It's okay, Sir. You are the representative of British government here. So, if you show them the letter, they will understand that your hands are tied. They might even listen to your words."

Convinced by his words, Adam nodded and left his office. His secretary also followed him to watch everything. Some time later, they arrived in front of the protesting crowd.

He spoke,

"People of Ionian Islands, I, Governer General Frederick Adam, got an answer from British Government about my plea to them for your self-governance. Even though they rejected my plea, I think they will give you self-governance soon. So, I hope that you all will withdraw your demand for annexation in Kingdom of Greece and insist for the self-governance."

Adam stood before the restless crowd, holding up the rejection letter from the British Government. Murmurs of disappointment and frustration swept through the gathering.

"I understand your disappointment," Adam began, his voice strong and resolute. "But you must not lose hope. The British Government's decision does not mark the end of your fight for self-governance. It should strengthen your resolve."

Adam urged to the crowd, "You are a proud and resilient people, capable of governing ourselves. You must demand your own government, one that represents your aspirations, your culture, and your unique identity. Why do you need to join a backwater new country for your freedom?"

"But how can we trust that the British Government will listen to us?" a voice called out from the crowd, laced with skepticism.

Adam paused,

"I cannot guarantee their cooperation," he admitted. "But the British Government will willingly give you self-governance in the future, I can guarantee you. I already seen some people supporting your self-governance in British Parliament."

Hearing this, the crowd didn't get any hope. They couldn't get any belief on someone who badmouthed about the country which shared their culture. They were murmuring about what they needed to do. Suddenly, a man shouted,

"Why must we give up? The British Government is unreliable. They have never cared about us. So, we will join Kingdom of Greece. We will never compromise our freedom."

Hearing his shout, the crowd also started cheering up and shouted for their demand of joining Kingdom of Greece. Watching this, Adam got disheartened and left. He realised his all attempts became failure. Left with no choice, he decided to write letters to British Government in London and British Ambassador in Greece to tell them about the situation and asked for a solution.