The Lausanne Agreement of 1932 is an important treaty in the history of international relations. It was signed between Turkey and the Allied Powers, which included Great Britain, France, Italy, and Japan. The agreement succeeded the Treaty of Sèvres, which was signed between the same parties in 1920 but was never ratified due to Turkish resistance.
The Lausanne Agreement resolved several issues that had been left unresolved by the Treaty of Sèvres. It recognized the sovereignty of the Republic of Turkey, which had replaced the Ottoman Empire in 1923. It also resolved the issue of Turkish debt, which had been a major point of contention between Turkey and the Allied Powers. Under the terms of the agreement, Turkey paid a reduced amount of the debt owed to the Allies and the Ottoman government was relieved of its obligation to repay the remainder.
Furthermore, the agreement resolved the fate of the Turkish Straits, which connect the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. The Treaty of Sèvres had called for the internationalization of the Straits, but the Lausanne Agreement granted Turkey full control and the right to fortify the Straits.
The Lausanne Agreement was also significant in that it contributed to the development of international law. It recognized the principle of state succession, which is the idea that a new state is responsible for the obligations and rights of its predecessor state. This principle has since been incorporated into international law and is used in determining issues such as territorial disputes and the recognition of new states.
In conclusion, the Lausanne Agreement of 1932 was a crucial treaty in the history of international relations. It resolved several issues that had been left unresolved by the Treaty of Sèvres and contributed to the development of international law. Its recognition of the sovereignty of the Republic of Turkey and the principle of state succession remain relevant today and continue to shape the international order.