TURKISH POLITICS

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 83, 5 October 1922, Page 7

TURKISH POLITICS

PEACE AND WAR PARTIES

CROSS-CURRENTS AT ANGORA,

(Received October 4, 5.5. p.m.) LONDON, 3rd October. The "Morning Post's" special correspondent, telegraphing from Sofia, says he has been in close touch, with the Angora situation for three weeks, and is £tble to supply the following details of the inner political workings. Before military operations were undertaken, a powerful moderate party was formed, favouring an understanding with Britain, and opposing the military group.' This party consisted chiefly of Circassian noblemen, the leaders including Bekir Sami Bey.

After Kemal's victory, the moderates were obliged to support the military, in order to maintain themselves, but they are now exercising a moderate influence on Kemal's counsels with the Communists, who have been^more active. An increasing number of delegates at tbo National Assembly joined the Comjnuniat Party through tbo activities of Araloff, the'■ Soviet Ambassador. The Turkish Comnuraists have no {Turkish policy, but stand for complete

union with Russia in foreign policy, especially in a war against Britain. They are straining every nerve to bring about a rupture with Britain, and a consequent Turkish-Bolshevik attack on the Balkans.

The question is whether the obvious interest of' Turkey in, securing British friendship prevails over the distrust of British policy and the Bolshevik propaganda subsidies, which have been pouring into the country for a year. The Communists are also _ gaining ground in Bulgaria, Macedonia, and. Thrace. Bulgarian 1 friendship for Turkey is even stronger than during the war.