READY TO SIGN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 170, 20 July 1936, Page 7

READY TO SIGN.

I POWERS AGREED. New Dardanelles Straits Convention. RESTRICTIONS ON SHIPS. United Press Association.—Copyright. MONTREUX, July 19. The Dardanelles Conference, at a plenary session, approved the final text of the new Straits Convention. This permits Turkey immediately to remilitarise the Straits zone, and limits the use of the Straits by warships belonging to Powers which do not adjoin the Black Sea. The convention was adopted amid an atmosphere of general cordiality. The Japanese delegate emphasised that this was the first international instrument Japan had signed since her "unfortunate departure from the League." Lord Stanley and other delegates paid warm tributes to Mr. S. M, Bruce for his tact and skill as president. Dr. Rushdi Aras had previously at a private meeting, affirmed the Turkish Government's determination to maintain the provisions of the Treaty of Lausanne, particularly in regard to the upkeep and control of and the right to visit the war cemeteries. Lord Stanley, in expressing thanks, Sfiid the cemeteries constituted a link between Britain and Turkey. A protocol permits Turkey to apply the conditions laid down in the convention from August 15 and to begin the remilitarisation' immediately the convention is signed. The chief points of the convention ensure commercial vessels the freedom of the Straits in time of peace and when Turkey is neutral, and an improvement in shipping dues. Non-Black Sea Powers. The document empowers Turkey to lay minefields, impose compulsory pilotage and to ban the passage of warships if she feels that war is imminent. The section dealing with warships empowers Russia, Bulgaria, Rumania and Turkey to send submarines and heavy battleships through the Straits, but 11011-Blaek Sea Powers are only permitted to send light and surface warships to an aggregate tonnage of 30,000 into the Black Sea with a maximum of 15,000 tons at the one time. Only non-belligerents can profit by this clause in time of war. Also no submarines -or aircraftcarriers may pass through the Straits, except new submarines being delivered to Black Sea States or going or returning for overhaul. Another clause permits non-Black Sea Powers to send 8000 tons of warships to the Black Sea for humanitarian purposes, while, when Turkey is neutral, belligerent warships will only be permitted through the Straits in order to fulfil obligations under the League Covenant or a mutual assistance pact. The convention is to operate for 20 years. Italy is omitted from the list of signatories, but may sijrn as a Lausanne signatory if she so desires. The convention will be signed at 10 p.m. on Monday after a banquet jn a local hotel.