THE WAR CLOUD

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XII, Issue 237, 19 September 1922, Page 5

THE WAR CLOUD

LIFTS A LITTLE

PROSPECTS FOR PEACE BRIGHTER

SITUATION STILL PERILOUS

I By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright.]

~ • i (Received .19, 9.5 a.m.) Constantinople, September 18. The Newspaper “Aksm." in an inspired article, says:—The Kemalists will not at the moment infringe the neutral zone, but the Allies must give them the peace asked for, otherwise war with the Allies is certain.— (A. and N.Z.)

OTTOMAN DESIRE.

TO AVOID CONFLICT WITH ENTENTE. FREEDOM OF STRAITS CONCEDED London. September 17. The “Times” correspondent in Constantinople states:—“lt is now certain in well-informed circles that Kemal will attempt to avoid a collision with the Entente Powers, but there is uncertainty whether he can rely on his officers in the neutral zone or whether the Angora Assembly will be prudent.” Reports from Turkish sources indicate that the Nationalists are beginning to move four or five divisions of possibly 15,000 bayonets in the direction of Ismid, o n the Asia Minor side of the Bosphoras. within the internationalist area. Malta reports that the first battalion of Gordon Highlanders and 200 members of the Royal Harrison Artillery, with many heavy guns and supplies of ammunition, have embarked, and others are under orders. A Reuter cable from Consfantinopk states that Turkish papers agree that the freedom of the Straits must be respected. The principal Nationalist organ says information from a semi-offi-cial source leads it to believe that, il necessary, sacrifices will be made within the limits of the national pact tc put an end to the present situation but it is absolutely impossible in the matter of the Straits to go beyond the National pact. DEFENCE OF DARDANELLES. ALLIED TROOPS ENTRENCHING. London, September 18. The “Morning Post’s” Constantinople correspondent reports that British and Allied troops are digging trenches six hours daily in the Chanak region, on the Asia Minor side of the Dardanelles, in order to protect the Dardanelles from a Kemalist attack. British reinforcements are expected tc land at Chanak, though in insufficient force to resist a serious attack. It is Hot expected, however’ that Kemal will begin an offensive until lie has tried negotiations with the Powers, though small bodies of irregulars may be sent into Thrace in order to raise a revolt among the Moslem population.; indeed, some bands have already been organised secretly. Greek officers have gone to Thrace to stiffen the Greek army.—(A. and N.Z.) THE MOSLEM SENTIMENT. STATEMENT BY MOHAMMEDAN LEADER. PERIL TO THE EMPIRE. London, September 18. The Aga Khan, interviewed, said Constantinople must belong to the Turks and become the centre of the Turkish Empire and the seat of the Khalifa, with unhampered administration. “Speaking not only as the leader of the,Mohammedans in India, but as & British Imperialist, I see nothing but peril to the Empire in any other solution. The Indian Mohammedans are puzzled and pained by the British policy in the Near East, especially in Turkey, since the armistice. They now think a definite settlement should be made. Mohammedans throughout the world view with misgiving any solution which would leave Adrianople outside of the Turkish dominions. I consider the freedom of the Straits must be safeguarded.”— EGYPTIAN NATIONALIST SYMPATHY. WITH TURKISH EFFORTS. , Cairo, September 16. The' news of Kemal’s claims heightened excitement among Egyptian nationalists and extremists, who are convinced that Islam, as represented by the victorious Turks, has established its domination over the European Powers iii the Near East. Extremists are publicly announcing an early Turkish invasion of Syria. Irak. Egypt, Tripoli, and later India, if the Allies do not submit to Kemal’s terms. The Egyptian Government hswr requested the newspapers not to give prominence to the Turkish victories or to indulge in over-much introspection in editorial comment. Intelligent Egyptians fully realise that Turkey is quite incapable of actively helping Egyptian independence, but the majority of informed Moslems are anxious to demonstrate sympathy with to restore Moslem prestige.—(A. and N.Z.) YELLOw'cONFLICT WITH WHITES WAR FLAME MAY SPREAD. London, Sept. Iff. The “Daily Express’ ” correspondent says the delegates fear that if the Russians and Arabs join with the Turks the Balkans war will spread to Africa and Asia, involving black and yellow conflict with the whites.— (A. and N.Z.) THE ENTENTE NATIONS. SOLIDARITY MAY* AVERT WAR. HESITATION WILL BE FATAL. Rondon, Sept. 18. The “Times,” in pn editorial, says: "France and Britain must act together in a concerted policy. If they hesitate, they may find themselves forced into a new war before many weeks. Diplomatic action may and probably will suffice if the Kemalists are convinced of the solidarity of the English and French policy, and their determination to carry it out in all circumstances. If this condition is fulfilled there will be little danger of armed opposition and no real danger of war/’ The “Daily Mail” opposes military action, stating that the freedom of the Straits, which it affirms is the only paramount interest of the Allies, can be settled by negotiations. Commenting on the British standpoint, the “Daily Mail” says: “Apparently Mr LTbyd George has already sent a fiery cross around the overseas dominions. He has even tried to play upon the emotions of the Australians by invoking the immortal name of Anzac.”— (“Times.’ 1 )

FRENCH PRESS COMMENT.

DIVERGENT VIEWS EXPRESSED. Paris, Sept. 17. The Press almost unanimously condemns the British policy, declaring bitterly that Britain persistently opposed French military action against Germany and now seeks to draw the Allies into a conflict to force Turkey to respect the treaty. The “Journal des Debats” on the contrary supports Britain’s attitude and upbraids contemporaries, adding: “Let us support the British? policy when it supports our interests. The Anzacs are proving they are one with the Mother Country over the question, which affects their honour and civilisation in general. ”( —A. and N.Z.) ITALIAN PRESS. OPENLY SYMPATHISES WITH TURKEY. Rome, Sept. 17. The Press is openly sympathising with Turkey. The “Tribuna” publishes an apparently official statement with reference to the British Note, denying that the understanding among the Allies extends to participation in a collective military expedition. The “Tribuna” says: “This cannot be and is not the case. It would be absurd for Italian solidiers to be sacrificed for a policy which public opinion and the Government oppose, because it would extend the controversy and bring fresh bloodshed.”—\A. and N.Z.) SERBIAN FEARS. TURKEY’S RETURN TO EUROPE. Paris, Sept. 17. M. Poincare and the King of Serbia had a lengthy conference on the TurcoGreek situation. The Serbian Foreign Minister subsequently stated that Serbia would regard the Turks crossing to the European side of the Straits as most dangerous. Serbia has not yet taken military measures, but has informed Britain and France that she is greatly alarmed by the return of Turkish rule to Thrace, which would seriously disturb the situation in Angora. —(Reuter). THE LITTLE ENTENTE. TREATY TO DEFEND THE 1 STATUS 'QUO. Berlin, Sept. 17. Newspapers publish the text of a military convention allegedly signed at Marienburg on August 3»st by representatives of the Little Entente, undertaking jointly to defend the status quo in the Middle East and Europe, declaring they will regard a threat to any signatory as a threat to all.— (Reuter). BULGARIA’S PRESENT POLICY. NON-INTERFERENCE IN THRACE. Sofia, Sept. 17. Bulgarian newspapers are guarded and non-committal regarding the position. The Premier. M. Stamboliski, reaffirmed Bulgaria’s desire for an Aegean outlet, but th© Government’s policy at present is against interference in Thracian affairs. There are signs that the Turks will make overtures to thq Opposition parties if the Premier fails to respond. Bulgaria’s viewpoint is that it would gladly see East Thrace Turkish and wants the Greeks to evacuate West Thrace making it autonomous or otherwise Bulgarian.—(‘‘Times.”) AMERICAN INACTION. CONDEMNED BY THE CHURCHES. New Torr, Sept. 18. Many preachers m Sunday sermons, commenting on th© Near East situation, condemned th© action of the Turks and called upon the Allies to drive them out of Asia Minor and never to surrender Constantinople to them. Some well-known ministers who did missionary wont in the Near East condemned the United States* action in standing aloof, and declared that the blame tor the situation rests primarily with the United States, which could have prevented the present conditions by timely participation m the settlement of Near East affairs. and N.Z.) LONDON PRESS VIEWS. \ ON BRITISH POLICY. London, Sept. 18. The papers express themselves variously on the British policy in the Near Eastern crisis. None fail to point out the gravest character thereof and all combine in paying a tribute to the spirit impelling New Zealand and Australia to respond to the invitation The “Daily Express” says: “The Government of the greatest empire in the world does not seek the aid of its dominions without urgent cause and the Dominion Governments do not undertake to despatch troops to parade among the graves which consecrate Gallipoli without cause. We face grave issues. The concern of the Empire with its Moslem hegemony, with the gates of India and with the Suez Canal is the manifest concern of Europe with insurgent nationalism on the one’hand and militarist Bolshevism on the other is not less obvious.” The “Daily Telegraph” says: “It is obvious that while Angora claims the right to shut the gates of the Dardanelles and the Bosphorus it is impossible for a settlement to be made or even for a conference to meet.” The “Daily Herald” declares: “We were, through our flighty Prime Minister, the instigators of the war made by the Greeks. If the consequence is humiliation we must hear it. ‘Not a man. not a ship’ ought to be. the British determination. We have been led astray, but we cannot get right by lighting.” The “Westminster Gazette’ says: “It is certain the Allies cannot regain control of the situation unless tbev are ready to fight if necessary and unless they convince the Turk on that point.” The “Morning Post” bitterly denounced Mr. Lloyd George and his policy in a leader, wherein it says: “The gravity of the situation lies in the fact that Kemal may turn in directions where he will have to face not the Allies and smaller countries but Britain alone. He may survey the whole Moslem world with the grim

knowledge /that he already has the prestige attaching to one who challenged the will of England and prevailed. And we might have had Turkey for a friend, yet, before the late war, we tossed her to the Germans and after the war to the Bolsheviks. Even now we believe we could make friends with Turkey, but so long as Mr. Lloyd George is Prime Minister even our enemies in Ireland, Germany and Russia despise his friendship.”—(A. and N.Z.) THE DOMINION CALL. CRITICISED IN FRANCE. London, Sept. 18. The “Daily Mail’s” Paris correspondent says: “The call to the dominions is criticised in France, where it is declared that if any danger is present it is danger which could jiot be met by dominion troops, who are unable to arrive for a couple of months.”—(United Service.) MATTER FOR LEAGUE OF NATIONS. A U STRA LIAN PR EMIER’S REQUEST. Melbourne, Sept. 18. It is understood Mr. W. M. Hughes has cabled Sir Joseph Cook, as head of the Australian delegation to the League of Nations, requesting him to bring the Graeco-Turkish position before the Leagi/e without delay, and to urge the League to intervene in the cause of peace.—(A. and N.Z.) BRITAIN OVERSEAS. SOUTH AFRICA’S DUTY. UNSWERVING MORAL SUPPORT. (Received 19, 8.45 a.m.) Capetown, Sept. 18. Commenting on the appeal to the dominions, the Cape “Times” says:— The South African Government ought to announce in the clearest terms that the British Government will have the unswerving moral support of the Union in its determination to resist violation of the demilitarised neutral zone, and, if necessary, and if Parliament authorises, material support also.—(A. and N.Z.) RESPONSE OF THE DOMINIONS. AUSTRALIA READY FOR ENROLMENT. Sydney, Sept. 18. Yesterday’s war news and appeal to the dominions camo as'a surprise. The great mass of the public were unaware of the developments till they read the morning papers. Most political and military leaders favour the various paPts of the Empire acting in unison and sending contingents if the need requires it, and press and public opinion very largely supports this view. The “Sydney Morning Herald” sums up the situation: “The Empire must speak with one voice and the Imperial Government’s appeal is for a united front. As far as Australian co-opera-tion is concerned there can be only one answer fronj the Australian people, and we prophesy that it will b© more than adequate.” Although nothing will be done in the way of enlistment until Milter to-mor-row’s Federal Cabinet meeting, men. starting early this morning, visited the barracks throughout the day, inquiring with a view to enlistment. The majority of the inquirers were returned officers and soldiers. They were told. “Nothing doing yet; call later.” The indications are that if the call comes there will be a generous response. All the machinery for enrolment is ready for immediate operation. The view is expressed that all the British Government requires at present is merely a definite assurance that assistance from the dominions will be forthcoming if required. The Australian branch of the British Service Association has asked all exImperial officers desirous of volunteering to register forthwith. The higher officers of the Federal command have cancelled outside engagements in readiness to act in a consultative capacity if required. ONLY ANSWER POSSIBLE. (Received 19, 8.5 a.m.) Melbourne, Sept. 19. The “Argus,” lii - a leader, says:—The British Government’s appeal is recognition of the right of the dominions to be consulted in matters of such moment to the Empire. The paper anticipates that the Federal Parliament will doubtless endorse Mr Hughes’ action. The “Age” declares that it was possible for the Commonwealth Government to make only a favourable answer to the Imperial Government’s appeal. That answer, has been made, lit is to be hoped it will prove as influenti ( as it is expected to be.—(A. and N.Z.) CANADA’S ATTITUDE. MINISTERS’ NON-COMMITTAL. Ottawa, Sept. 18. The Government has sent an urgent invitation to Ministers throughout the Dominion to attend an extraordinary session of the Cabinet Council on Monday to consider the British Government’s request for the services of an overseas contingent in the Near East. Ex-servicemen throughout the Dominion are informing the Government of their willingness to join a contingent and recruiting has even begun. In Montreal former officers are calling upon men who served under them and getting their signatures for a pledge to serve against the Turks. Federal and Provincial Ministers generally refuse to comment on the situation, but Mr. J. E. Caron. Minister of Agriculture in the Quebec Provincial Government, stated that Canada should think more than once before committing herself to another foreign war. It is a matter of grave peril and will deserve the deepest consideration before action is taken. My own opinion is that Canada should keep free from entanglements in foreign wars.” NEW ZEALAND. GENERAL CHAYTOR’S VIEWS. DANGER IN PALESTINE. Wellington, Sept. 19. Sir E. Chaytor, who commanded the N.Z. mounted troops in Palestine, states that he has correspondence from Arab friends showing that affairs there are . far from satisfactory. Generally speaking the whole country is in ferment, and it would not take much to bring about a general flare-up. The danger is, if the Turks are held up at the Dardanelles they will seek reprisals in Palestine, and other districts shorn away from their territory. The Allies had fortified the Asiatic side opposite Constantinople, but not opposite the Dardanelles, and guns could be mounted on the hills to shell ships. He believed the Turks had plenty of ammunition. If we send a contingent he favours) young, single men, 20 to 30 years of age, and considers there would be no difficulty in raising 70,000 to 80,000. MANY VOLUNTEERS. HON. J. G. COATES TN EARLY. Wellington, Sept. 18 The Prime Minister was inundated with applications for service to-day. He teceived a telegram this afternoon from th Legion of Fron -Ji Auck!offering A mobilise 200 and more if wanted, also the nur*mp. section, field transport, etc. Mr. Massey

received during the day many telegrams from ex-officers and, servicemen from all parts of the' Dominion requesting that their names be enrolled for service if required. The mail of the Minister of Defence was swollen to-day by letters and telegrams from men offering their services in whatever capacity they might be of most use. Among the offers was one from a Minister of the Crown, the Hon. J. G. Coates, who served with distinction m th© Great War. being mentioned in despatches and winning the Military Cross, to which he was later awarded a bar. Women have not been behind hand, for among the offers received have been a number from nurses. SINGLE MEN FIRST. It is considered that when definite enlistments are being taken for an Expeditionary Force—the names of men wishing to enlist are only being taken now—no married men below the rank of sergeant will be accepted. Th© reasons for this are twofold:- — 1. That the taking of married men is inadvisable from the points of view of family and economic interests. 2. That the acceptance of married mon is far too expensive for the State, considering the number of their dependents. Though the conditions of service have yet to be settled, it is probable that the rates of pay to bo offered will be the same as those that prevailed at the conclusion of the late war. PROMPT DISPATCH. FORCE COUULD BE PREPARED. If New Zealand should become responsible for the dispatch of a contingent to the Dardanelles, a small and highly efficient force could be prepared very quickly. The personnel of the Staff Corps and Permanent Force has been reduced severely during the last twelve months in the interests of economy, but the reserve lists contain many hundreds of highly qualified officers. Headquarters officers have every reason to believe that a call for volunteers from among the ex-mem-bers of the non-commissioned ranks of the Expeditionary Force would produce an immediate response. Equipment of all kinds is available in New Zealand. The preparation of a larger force, should that become necessary, might be a matter of more difficulty. New Zealand’s defence policy lately seems to have been based upon an assumption that there would lie no more war. The “cuts” in all directions have been drastic, and much organisation that has been torn down in order to save money would require to he restored before many men could be taken into the training camps. But the Dominion has over 80,000 men who received training during the war years, many of them having been on active service. MR. WILFORD SUPPLIED WITH COPY’ OF IMPERIAL REQUEST. Following is Mr. Massey’s reply to Mr Wilford’s request for a copy of th© communication received from the Imperial Government: —“Dear Sir,—l am m receipt of your letter of this morning, and in reply desire to enclose for your information a copy of the secret telegram received by me from Mr Lloyd George. The despatch from th© Prime Minister of Great Britain was considered in full Cabinet this morn ing, and it was decided to send a reply to the effect that the New Zealand Government desired to associate itself with the Government of Great Britain in any course of action decided upon, and was prepared to send a contingent.—Yours faithfully (Sgd.) YY r . F. Massey.” It is understood that Mr. Wilford’s letter reached Mr. Massey at 11 o’clock this morning, during the sitting of an important Executive Council meeting. This was followed by a full Cabinet meeting, at which Mr. Lloyd George’s despatch was considered in all its aspects and th© Prime Minister’s reply to Mr. YVilford was delivered at the latter’s office at one o’clock. CHRISTCHURCH VOLUNTEERS 75 PER CENT RETURNED SOLDIERS. ' Christchurch. Sept. 18. By this afternoon about 100 wonld-he recruits had registered their names at the Christchurch area office for the Dardanelles contingent. Most of the applicant/j seemed to be in good spirits and enjoying regular employment. A few were youths, but most had previous war service—some Gallipoli and some elsewhere. Their ages xanged from 21 to 44. After lunch a rush set in. Major Row, coinmanding the Canterbury Regimental District, estimated that 75 per cent of the applicants were returned soldiers, and that 90 per cent were in employment. “They are coming in thick and fast. They are coming in every minute,” said one officer. “I don’t think we will find any difficulty in raising an army.” LABOUR MEMBERS’ ATTITUDE. “As far as 1 know,” said Mr. J. McCombs, M.P., “no members of Parliament have been consulted in connection with th© matter.” Mr. McCombs was speaking in reference to the suggestion in the London cablegrams that an offer of contingents had been made by the Prime Minister. “Before Mr. Massey made any offer. Parliament should have been consulted,” he said. “Parliament, and not the Prime Minister, is the supreme authority in th© country. There might be some excuse for immediate action if Parliament was not actually assembled. The whole thing wil| have to be carefully considered before this little country Is plunged into further responsibility in connection with war in Europe or Asia,” was Mr. McCombs* reply regarding his own attitude. Mr. D. G. Sul|ivan, another Labour member, when informed of the contents of Mr. Massey’s message issued this afternoon, said: “The Prime Minister’s action, taken without consulting Parliament, is an undeserved snub to Parliament and the people of this country. With Parliament in session, the very least the Prime Minister could have done was to have submitted his proposal to th© representatives of the community. It is for Parliament as representing the people of New Zealand to determine matters, of such momentous concern.” Mr. P. Fraser. M.P., when approached by a presp reporter to-night, stated that Mr. H. E. Holland, chairman of the Labour Party, was away at Taihape, and in his absence the Labour Party had not yet discussed the matter. On being informed that Mr. J. McCombs’ (Lyttelton) and Mr. D. G. Sullivan (Avon) had stated that Cabinet should not have arrived at any decision nor made any offer to the Old Country till Parliament had been consulted,* Mr. Fraser replied : “I have no comment to make on that at all ; I have nothing to say myself ? until the party discusses the matter.”