FRENCH HOPE OF COMPROMISE.

Dunstan Times, Issue 3147, 11 December 1922, Page 8

FRENCH HOPE OF COMPROMISE.

(Correspondent of Daily Express.) Paris io waiting on London to-day for a sign that French hopes for a speedy settlement of the Near East problem have not been misplaced. French opinion is trying hard to be optimistic. Nevertheless, there, is a. certain anxiety, due to the report that a stiffening of the attitude of both Hritisb and Turks, over the two questions of the withdrawal from Chanafc and the evacuation of the Greeks from Thrace, has replaced the recent conciliatory point of view of both sides. Tbe French Foreign Office to-day is completely non-committal over reported developments, and declares noncbantly that as it is without news it cannot express an opinion, but unofficial opinion is more outspoken and frankly states the possibility. if not the probability, of a bitch from one sidle or the other. The question of the withdrawal from the neutral zone is regarded as one alfecting each side differently. For ’I nrkey, it is one of principle, based on the fact that she docs not recognise the Sevres Troa.ty, which created the zone. For England it is one of firm-

ciple and honor, though in French eyes the advantage to be gained 1 from the occupation of Chanak is hold now. as Itefore, to be extremely small, since, in. the event of a conflict, the duel tor the Straits would, it is suggested, lie between the British Fleet and the artillery of the Kem lists, with the troops of occupation playing an inactive role.

Main French commentators content themselves with expressing the hope that some form of compromise will he reached. Others lean to the .view that* it is for the Turks to give proof of good! faith and even common sense ami produce by withdrawing, since the British are teehflfeajly right in remaining there and insisting that the neutral zone be respected, a,s was pointed out in the Allied Note of September 25. The Temps declares that a withdrawal by the Turks would 1 not be incompatible with the safety of their troops, and foretells that Kcmal will eventually comply. “It is firmly hoped,” says the Temps, “that an accord will bo reached on a basis which will reassure the Turks and completely satisfy British amour pre-

pie.” . „ The question of the evacuation ot Thrace by the Greeks is stated to be a much more delicate and complicated problem, and one that is likely to add considerably to the difficulties of the Mudania Conference.' The British argument that, before consenting to this evacuation and occupation by the Turks, the Allies should await the reply from the Angora Government to their Note of September 23 is generally, if tacitlv, approved, as it is realised that until * the Turks have given adequate guarantees concerning the Straits they are not justified in obtaining complete control over this territory. A solution generally approved is that of the establishment of inter-allied garrisons. which would pave the way for the eventual evacuation by the Greeks and the rc-cstablishmont of Turkish administration. This question is regarded as more one of order, as it is admitted that the Greeks cannot lie counted on to maintain control, as the Turks have justly complained. The Journal remarks “that if Greece is to renounce her claim to Thrace the sooner tin's is done the bettor for cveiyone concerned.” “Pertinax” sums up the whole Turkish problem in this way: “The British do not desire that the Turks should enjoy full and effective sovereignty in the Straits and in Thiracie. Mustapha Kemal and his colleagues l demand sovereign power in those regions. Both arguments may be reconciled, as regards the application of many details, if each side shows good will.” “Pertinax” is, n anything, optimistic about the final settlement.