PROGRESS AT LAUSANNE.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17634, 11 December 1922, Page 7

PROGRESS AT LAUSANNE.

PROBLEM OF THE STRAITS. NEARING AN AGREEMENT. (By C«ble—Press Association—Copyright.) (Austr»lian md N.Z. Cable Ae«ooiatioa.) LAUSANNE, December 8. The Turks replied to the Allied proposals at to-day's sitting. They asked for further information regarding certain points which Lord Cnrzon promised to supply. An optimistic feeling prevails. There is a tendency on the part of the Allies and the Turks to explain points not understood, leaving thorny naval and military problems to private discussion by the experts of the various countries. The Turks' demands include the right to fortify Gallipoli Peninsula against any surprise attack. ' Lord Curzon later said agreement appeared to have been reached on nearly all points. GALLIPOLI CEMETERIES. TO BE VESTED IN ALLIED POSSESSION. (Received December 10th, 5.5 p.m.) LAUSANNE, December 8. Lord Curzon raised the point that the Allied cemeteries on Gallipoli Peninsula should be vested in Allied possession, explaining that ownership as defined by the Treaty of Sevres, and not sovereignty, was intended.. [The clauses in the Treaty of Sevres relating to war graves provided that the Turkish Government was to transfer to the British, French, and Italian Governments respectively rights of ownership over the ground in Turkey in which are situated the graves of their soldiers and sailors and over the land required for cemeteries, or for providing access to cemeteries. Within six months from the coming into force of the Treaty (which is now practically a dead letter), the British, French, and Italian Governments were respectively to - notify to the Turkish Government the land which was to be transferred to then. The said land included in particular certain areaß in the Gallipoli Peninsula. The Government in whose favour the transfer was made was not to allow the land to be employed for any purpose other than that to which it was dedicated, and the shore was not_ to be employed for any military, marine, or commercial purpose. If compulsory acquisition of the land was necessary, it was to be effected by and at the cost of the Turkish Government, who were not to subject the land to any form of taxation. They were to undertake to maintain all roads leading to the land, give free access to all persons desirous of visiting the graves, and afford facilities for the requirements of the staff engaged .in duties in connexion with the cemeteries. The provisions did not affect the Turkish sovereignty over the transferred land, and the Turkish Government were to take the necessary measures to punish any act of desecration of cemeteries or graves. The Allies and the Turkish Government were to respect and maintain the graves of soldiers and sailots buried in their territories, and to recognise and assist any Commissions appointed by the Allies in connexion with them. There was to be a reciprocal exchange of information as to dead prisoners and their graves.]