Realizing he could no longer count on the title
"Sultan" alone to influence the Turkish people, he considered it necessary to use the spiritual title of "
Caliph" for the leader of the army - thus depicting
Nationalists not only as the enemies of the Sultanate but also as the enemies of God. Under British pressure, the Disciplinary Force, also known as the
Army of the Caliphate, was established by
Damat Ferid Pasha to link up with the Circassian warlord
Ahmed Anzavur and crush the nationalists. Sultan
Mehmed VI charged his minister of war,
Şevket Süleyman Paşa to command the force. Supported by the British, the Sultan began a propaganda war throughout the country. Relayed by imams, he urged the Turks to take up arms against the Nationalists of General
Mustafa Kemal, presented as the enemies of God. Despite its name, European observers mocked the lack of discipline of the force, especially those among its general staff. Low enthusiasm in Istanbul's mission meant the Disciplinary Force marched off just half a division strong. Many of soldiers even joined the
National Forces after being routed by
Ali Fuad's men in
İzmit, and the force was disbanded after some three-month existence. All the Disciplinary Force gave the Istanbul government was a financial crisis due to the army's expenses. ==Dissolution ==