THE NEUTRAL ZONE

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 2, 27 September 1922, Page 7

THE NEUTRAL ZONE

AGAIN ENTERED BY TURKISH CAVALRY HARINGTON REQUESTS WITHDRAWAL BRITISH COLUMN READY FOR EMERGENCES The situation resulting from another invasion of the neutral zone by Turkish cavalry is a very delicate one, General Harington requested withdrawal, allowing reasonable time for communication with the Turks’ commanders, after which the consequences of defiance will devolve upon the Kema lists’ heads. A British column has taken up a position half way to Erenkeui, in readiness for eventualities. A more reassuring message received in Paris from Constantinople states that, in spite of foreign intrigues and extremist pressure, the Kemalists are disposed to accept the Allied proposals in the hope that the projected conference will result in peace. By telegraph— press association. —copyright. Paris, September 25. Turkish cavalry have re-entered the Chanak zone. General Sir Charles Harington has requested their withdrawal. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. (Rec. September 26, 7.55 p.m.) Constantinople, September 25. The Turkish cavalry which re-entered the neutral zone were provided with machine-guns. General Harington’s request for their withdrawal allowed a reasonable time for a communication to reach the Turkish commanders, after which the consequences will devolve upon the heads of the Kemalists if they persist in defiance. A later message states that the cavalry that entered the zone is estimated to bo two thousand strong. A British mobile column has taken up * position half way to Erenkeui in readiness for eventualities.—Reuter. A THE ALLIED PROPOSALS KEMALISTS DISPOSED TO ACCEPT THEM (Rec. September 26, 7.55 p.m.) Paris, September 25. An unofficial message from Constantinople says the Kemalists, despite foreign intrigues and extremist pressure, are disposed to accept the Allied proposals in the hope that the projected conference will result in peace. Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. Constantinople, September 25. People here received the Allies’ Paris decisions with indescribable enthusiasm. It is generally believed that Kemal will accept a conference. Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ~ TURKS DESIRE PEACEFUL SOLUTION , London, September 25. “The Times’’ correspondent at Chanak reports that the general situation is easier. It is evident that the Turks desire a peaceful solution of the neutral zone question. The Turkish commander withdrew at the request of the commander of the Dardanelles sector, repeating that they did not desire ,to embroil themselves with the British Empire. Small Turkish cavalry patrols still remain in the neutral zone, but the Turks show a genuine desire to be reasonable. Two additional British battalions have arrived, with strong reinforcements of field artillery, also fighting and observation ’planes for mobile columns. This should ensure respect for the neutral boundary. The Turkish attitude towards the Armenians and Greeks is very correct, with the possible exception of Bigha, where there have been some minor excesses. Chanak is cleared of practically all its inhabitants. The military have demolished several houses for defence purposes. Constantinople reports that a small concentration of Turks has begun in the Ismid area, but that it is not yet large enough to cause anxiety. “With the new troops due to arrive this week,” the correspondent writes, “our forces should be ample to resist any possible attack.” —“The Times.” NOTE A BASIS FOR NEGOTIATIONS DEMILITARISATION OF MARMORA SHORES OBJECTED TO (Rec. September 26, 7.55 p.m.) London, September 26. The “Daily Express” predicts that while the Angoraitos are dissatisfied with details, they will accept the Allied Note as a basis for further negotiations. Their objections include the demilitarisation of the Marmora shores, which allegedly will hinder the protection of Constantinople. The Kama - ists are unlikely to prolong the negotiations, because they suspect the Allies wish to gain time to increase their reinforcements. They will probably make a counter-proposal for an immediate preliminary meeting, subject to the Allies agreeing to suspend military movements. The Kemalists, while not admitting any obligation to cease their forward movement, will probably do so for a couple of days as a sign of good-will. The uneasiness is increasing. It is feared the Greeks will organise demonstrations. The British military families are embarking to-day. Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. KEMAL INSISTS ON GREEKS EVACUATING THRACE (Rec. September 27, 1.20 a.m.) Constantinople, September 26. Hamed Bey informed the “Daily Express” correspondent that he favours the Allied terms, but reiterated that the predetermined of Kemalists must not be interfered with. Other repc.ts state that Kemal rejected the French occupation of Thrace, and insists that the Greeks must evacuate or the Turks will advance. He insists on fortifying the approaches to Constantinople.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. TURKISH GOVERNMENT RESIGNS ” DEPOSITION OF SU LTAN DISCUSSED (Rec. September 26, 11.55 p.m.) Constantinople, September 25. The Grand Vizier and the rest of the Government have resigned, with a riew to the early formation of a Nationalist Government. The early deposition of the Sultan is being discussed. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. GREEK CABINET DISCUSSES ALLIED NOTE > DEMAND FOR PROTECTION OF THRACE Athens, September 25. Tbe French Minister has handed over the Allies’ Note, which the Cabinet discussed at length. People are keenly disappointed with the prospect of losing Thrace, which the newspapers indignantly refuse to countenance demanding that the army be immediately reconstructed for the protection’of 1 Thrace. The National Assembly has been summoned for October 2—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.