SMUTS’S REPLY TO THE CALL

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

SMUTS’S REPLY TO THE CALL

BRITAIN’S MEASURES APPROVED FUTURE OF THE STRAITS Cano Town, September 25. A message from Pretoria states that General Smuts ,n his reply to Mr. Lloyd George expresses regret at the delay, which was owing to his absence. He proceeds: “There seems no longer a call for active intervention. The Union Government appreciates the determination of the Imperial Government to maintain the freedom of the Dardanelles. which is one of the most beneficial results of the Great War, but it most sincerely trusts that the military intervention of the Empire will not be necessary. I believe that the measures taken by the Imperial Government to safeguard the position of the Straits, ponding the meeting of the coming conference, are adequate. I rejoice at the more favourable turn of events, which is largely djie to successful British diplomacy. “As far as the Union is concerned, it could not undertake to participate in military operations in the East without calling Parliament together. I am relieved that more reassuring information now in their possession renders such a step unnecessary. “To conclude, in regard to peace in the Near East, the Government ventures to express the opinion that the future regime for maintaining the freedom of the Straits should be placed under the League of Nations ana trusts that such an action will he approved by the coming conference. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT’S ATTITUDE WATCHFUL WAITING (Rec. September 26, 9.5 p.m.) Ottawa, September 26. llie attitude of the Canadian Government appears to be one of watchful waiting, pending negotiations between tho Allies and the Turks, before taking further action. The British Government’s supplementary information,which the Canadian Cabinet requested, has been received. Mr. King, the Premier, says it contains additional facts, but he refuses to divulge the contents, declaring they are marked secret. The feeling generally is that the Turkish situation will be solved amicably.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. BRITISH POLITICAL OUTLOOK WAR CLOUD BELIEVED TO HAVE PASSED London, September 25. The “Pall Mall Gazette’s” political correspondent reports that there is a profound disposition in well-informed circles to regard a general election as imminent. He says that the political outlook has cha-nged with dramatic suddenness as the result of the passing of tho Near Eastern war cloud. If Mr Lloyd George takes no action within ten days, it may bo taken for granted that he will not appeal to the country this year. Labour is convinced that a general election will take place this year,' and is making plans accordingly. -Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. SUCCOURING SMYRNA 4 REFUGEES BRITAIN CONTRIBUTING £50,000 NEW ZEALAND GIVING £lOOO Geneva, September 25. Lord Balfour has appealed io the League of Nations to succour the starving Smyrna refugees. Britain is giving £50,000, and he hoped the other Governments would contribute another £50,000. Sir James Allen (New Zealand) moved that the delegates should appeal to their respective Governments, asking for replies by to-morrow. “New Zealand,” he said, “is giving £1000.” (Applause.) The motion was carried. It is announced that the refugees number 200,000. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. DISTRIBUTION OF RELIEF Geneva, September 25. M. Ador (Switzerland) announced that the International Red Cross Committee on Saturday sent delegates to Smyrna and Brusa to distribute relief. Another delegate, he said, had gone to Greece to investigate. Dr. Nansen said the Russian relief organisation would do its utmost to assist. It was announced that the Bulgarian Government was ready to undertake the transport of refugees from Smyrna to a neighbouring island. The Assistant High Commissioner of the Russian Relief Organisation is proceeding to Smyrna to study the situation.—• Reuter. TURKS’ TREATMENT OF REFUGEES London, September 25. An intimation has been received at London from Kemal that refugees must quit Smyrna by September 30. The intimation was made before the Joint Allied Note was dispatched. Therefore, it is considered possible that the Allied Note will induce the Turks to show more consideration in their treatment of refugees.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. “NOT YET OUT OF DIFFICULTY” PRIME MINISTER’S STATEMENT “I should like to impress on members and the public that we are not yet out of difficulty,” said the Prime Minister in tho House ol Representatives last night in a passing reference to the Near Eastern crisis. “I am not going to make a statement to-night. I am waiting for what to-morrow may bring forth. Like every other member, I am anxious to avoid war, if possible. If we cannot avoid it, there is only one thing to do —that is, to stand up to it.” Mr. Nash (Palmerston): Quito right! Get into itl Mr. Fraser (Wellington Central) : Get the young fellows into it, you mean. READY TO SERVE OFFERS FROM SAMOA That the British residents of Samoa, eligible for military service, do not desire to bo overlooked should New Zealand decide to send an expeditionary force to the Near East is indicated ,

by the following wireless message which tho Administrator of tho territory sent to the Minister of External Affairs (the Hon. E. P. Lee? yesterday:— “With reference to the week s war news, 38 applications for enrolment received from British community; many offers forthcoming it necessity arises. Some volunteers telegraphed direct to Defence Department; others recording names here.” The Minister telegraphed an appreciative message to the men, and transmitted their offer to the Alinistcr er Defence. There was a quiet time at tho Buckle Street recruiting depot yesterday. Tho total recruits registered to date are: —829 officers, 11,820 other ranks, 11 chaplains, 340 nurses; total, 13,000,