Earlier, western Thrace was occupied by Greek and French troops.
By this treaty Bulgaria renounced all sovereign rights to the territories of western Thrace, which were transferred to the communal control
of the Allied Powers. Practically, the way was paved for this area to be
eventually adjudged to Greece.
At the same time, a Greco-Bulgarian treaty was signed for
voluntary population exchanges between the two countries. The right was granted to
minority populations of both sides to choose, according to their national consciousness, the country in which they wished to live.
This treaty held sway throughout the 1920s. With the implementation of its terms the Bulgarians
of Greek Macedonia and western Thrace departed for Bulgaria, whereas the Greeks of Eastern
Rumelia came to Greece. The whole process of migration and the issue of properties
in particular was handled by a four-member Mixed Committee.
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