CHAPTER V

The economic situation--Exaggerated Entente hopes--Hunger and suffering among the civil population--The system of requisitioning and the semi-official monopolists--Profiteering on the part of the Government clique--Frivolity and cynicism--The "Djemiet"--The delegates of the German _Zentraleinkaufsgesellschaft_ (Central Purchases Commission)--A hard battle between German and Turkish intrigue--Reform of the coinage--Paper money and its depreciation--The hoarding of bullion--The Russian rouble the best investment 107