The Greek Debacle

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XII, Issue 231, 12 September 1922, Page 5

The Greek Debacle

EVACUATION COMPLETE. HEADQUARTERS ON AN AEGEAN ISLAND. STAMBOUL CELEBRATES VICTORY [By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright.] (Received 12, 8.45 a.m.) Athens, Sept. 11. The last of the Greek troops left Smyrna on Sunday. Just before the arrival of the first Kemalist detachments, several Greek regiments, and some war material were evacuated in vessels waiting in the harbour protected by a Greek squadron. The Greek headquarters have moved to Chios, an island in the Aegean Sea west of Asia Minor.—(A. and N.Z.) New York, Wept. 11.

According to the Chicago “Tribune’s” Constantinople correspondent the entry of the Turks into [Smyrna coincided with the anniversary of the victory of [Sakharia. Stumboul has gone insane. For the first time in Islamic history the mosques are lighted to celebrate the military victory. Illuminated texts swung between the lofty minarets. The effect of the victory on the Mohammedan world is incalculable, and is regarded as a direct answer to Mr Lloyd George’s speech and treatment of Fethi Bey, Turkish delegate to the Allies.—(A. and N.Z.) London, Sept. 10. The Turks declare that all tho captured war material bears British {labels. Kemal Pasha has proclaimed a threat of death on looters, whether Greek or Turk. While the anxious-eyed Greeks throng the churches and despairingly scan military communiques pasted on the walls, the happy, leering, coffeesipping Turks watch gloatingly, but they have subscribed £200,000 for the relief of Christian refugees.—(A. and N.Z.)

BRITISH NEAR EAST POLICE. CRITICISED BY THE FRENCH. (Received- 12, 9.10 a.m.) Paris. September 11. “Le Matin” says Britain seems to be reproaching the Angora Government with having had relations with the Bolsheviks. This question may be dealt with more fully at the proper time and place. For the moment, we will confine ourselves to noting that this reproach comes from the lips of those who invited the Bolsheviks to come to Genoa on a footing of equality. DANGER IN THE BALKANS. “Le Matin” sees in the desire of Jugoslavia and Bulgaria to participate in the peace negotiations, British intrigues designed to incite the Balkans against the Turks. The Balkans will understand it is not in their interests to embark on an adventure which would be disastrous. There is no Turkish threat in their independence. It is purely a v matter of retaking territory, which is their legitimate property. France must not lose a minute in connection with this grave question. The lessons of history prove that national tradition is the base for conception, which is not that of Sevres.

TURKISH CLAIMS IRREDUCIBLE. The “Echo de Paris” states that Turkish claims are irreducible. The papier studies the means of reconciling them with the British policy, which does not admit of the return of the Straits. PEACE IF NATIONS ARE REASONABLE. The “Victoire” says the Mussulman of the British Empire will be grateful to France and Britain for reconciliation with their religious chief. Peace will.be possible if Britain is reasonable* the Turks are not asking for the moon.—(A, and N.Z.)

MENACE OF A NEW WAR. TURKISH AMBITIONS IN EUROPE (Received 12, 10.5 a.m.) London, September 11. According to the “Manchester Guardian’s” Paris correspondent, the Little Entente is pressing France to moderate Turkish ambitions in Europe. It is reported that Jugo-Slavia informed Italy she will not tolerate modification of the Thracian settlement, fixed at Sevres. This has been communicated to the Bulgars, with a warning against interference.—(A. and N.Z.)

GRAVE MOSLEM SITUATION. INDIANS CONGRATULATE TURKS. (Received 12. 10.35 a.m.) Delhi, September 11. A large public meeting congratulated the Turks on their Asia Minor victories. and unanimously resolved to cable Mr. Lloyd George resentment and apprehension at his pro-Greek policy, pointing out that the British will be responsible for any resultant grave situation in the Moslem world. —(A. and N.Z.)

NEW GREEK CABINET. FORMED BY MODERATES. (Received 12, 8.45 a.m.) Athens, September 11. The Crown Prince George has arrived. M. Triantafilakos’ Cabinet has been sworn in, and compirises chiefly the previous holders of office and moderate politicians. It has been favourably received. Calogeroupolis has taken the portfolio of Foreign Affairs.