LATE NEWS THE WAR CLOUD

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XII, Issue 235, 18 September 1922, Page 5

LATE NEWS THE WAR CLOUD

Russia Joins Turkey SOVIET ARMIES IN CAUCASUS. ALSO BLACK SEA FLEET. PREPARING FOR ACTION. [By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright.] (Received 18, 2 p.m.) London, Sept. 18. The “Times’ ” Riga correspondent states that a message fron< Moscow says the Bolsheviks have convened an extraordinary conference of the revolutionary military council, Trotsky presiding. The resolutions passed are kept secret. Mell-informed circles affirm that the conference decided immediately to prepare for action of all forces ins. the Caucasian republic; also Moscow’ forces stationed in the Caucasus, as well as in the Black!’ Sea fleet. It is reported that one corps of the Soviet forces is already stationed on the frontier of Angcra, and is ready to march to Kemal’s assistance in case of an advance towards Constantinople. Other sources report the RussoAngora treaty binds Moscow’ to cooperate with Kemal in the capture of the Dardanelles, receiving as compensation complete freedom of action in the Black Sea. It is reported that the Soviet com-mander-in-chief, Kamenieff, has departed for the Caucasus. An official Moscow’ message states that the citizens of the 1901 class, previously exempted for various reasons, have been called to the colours.— (“Times.”) Preservation of Empire 3UR FIRST CONSIDERATION N.Z. REPLY TO BRITISH GOVERNMENT. STATEMENT BY MR. MASSEY. [Per Press Association.] Wellington, Sept. 18. The Primo Minister issued the following official statement to day:—■ The British Government have been in communication with the Government of New , Zealand since last Saturday night with regard to the possibility cf Turkish aggression in Europe, the protection of British and Allied interests in Constantinople, and maintaining freedom of the Straits by securing firmly the Gallipoli Peninsula, and we have informed Mr. Lloyd Ceorgi, through His Excellency the Covernor-Ceneral, confirmed by a full meeting of the Cabinet this forenoon, that the New Zealand Government wishes to associate itself with the Government of Great Britain in any course of action decided upon, and is prepared to send a contingent. Mr. MJassey further stated: I hope even yet that war may be averted, but if peace is to be maintained then the present difficulty has to be faced firmly, promptly and without delay. The Dardanelles must be kept open and Turkish forces from Asia must not be allowed to concentrate in Constantinople. I had hoped the British Empire would have recovered from the last war before being called upon to take part in another. We do not want war, but duty comes first. • The Empire must be preserved, and whatever happens or whatever becomes necessary, British citizens, both in Britain and overseas dominions, will rise to the occasion when the Empire calls. There is only one answer possible on the part of loyal citizens. THE GREAT DANCER. TROUBLE WITH THE MAHOMMEDANS. Asked by a “Tribune” reporter for visws on the European situation, General Russell said the question is can trouble be localised, and confined to the Near East? Possibility of this crisis leading to general trouble among subject Mohammedan races has long become a probability not to be overlooked. Very few days will decide this. In tho latter event the aid Australia and New Zealand can give bv sending men to the Far East will be invaluable to the Empire.