LATE NEWS NEAR EAST CRISIS

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XII, Issue 238, 20 September 1922, Page 5

LATE NEWS NEAR EAST CRISIS

Kemal’s Answer to France INTERNATIONAL TERRITORY. NOT TO BE INVADED. TURKS CLAIM GREEK ZONES. [By Cable.—Pres* Association.—Copyright.! (Received 20, 11.45 a.in.) London. September 19. Another version of the Kemalist answer to France is published in the •‘Manchester Guardian.” which states that the Kemalists undertake not to enter those zones where Allied troops, whether British’, French, or Italian, have been in occupation since the armistice. but a distinction is made between the Allies and Greeks. The Kemalists, having defeated the Greeks, by force of arms, claim the right to occupy any territories hitherto held b> the Greeks, not by the Allies. The Kemalists further undertake not to attack Constantinople or send troops into Thrace..—(A. and N.Z.) FRENCH WITHDRAW TROOPS. FROM ASIATIC SIDE OF STRAITS. TO AVOID CONFLICT WITH TURKS. (Received 20, 11.45 a.m.) London, September 19. A sensation was caused by a section of the London press in reference to the reported instructions by the French Government to withdraw ali troops from Chanak and else-where on the Asiatic side of the Straits, with a view to avoiding any danger of an armed clash with the lurks. The Foreign Office has not received confirmation of the repprt, and explains that the measure may have been undertaken as purely a local disposition ol forces without reference to the f rench Government, not affecting the larger question of French policy generally. Lord Curzon left for Paris during the morning, and will be engaged in conversations with M. Poincare for th v jiext lew days. The question of disposition of troops will be among the mutters discussed. Il is reported that the reply oi Kemal to die Allied Note undertaking he will not attempt to enter Constantinople or cross the Straits, is also oih cially unconfirmed; nevertheless, the general situation is easier, and grave developments are not expected immediately. FRENCH PRESS JUBILANT. The French press unanimously congratulates the Government on tile reported decision regarding the withdrawal oi troops, 'lhe “Echo de Paris” says ali possibility ot unwelcome incidents arising in immediate iuture have thus been avoided. Tiie “Petit Parisien” says: No action is contemplated, and at present opportunity tor Action does not seem apparent. POINCARE’S PACIFIST POLICY’. CONFIRMED BY HIS CABINET. (Received 20, 1.0 p.m.) Pans, September 19. Cabinet has approved of M. Poincare’s instructions, sent to-day. to French representatives in all Allied capitals confirming the pacifist policy N ,ance in ear —(A. and FURTHER FRENCH COMMENT. LOOKING IXJrTaSTING PEACE. (Received 20, 12.10 p.m.) Paris, Sept. 19. All newspapers repeat that France is absolutely opposed to settling issues by force of arms. The “Echo de Paris” states the bellicose manifesto has not met with success. The British Government accordingly is disposed to modify or at any rate explain its policy. That is the object of Lord Curzon’s visit. Although Lord Curzon has hitherto not recognised a policy of moderation in the Near East, it is not beyond hope that he will take it into account in the present situation. The “Echo de Paris” says it is an urgent necessity’ to conclude, as soon as possible, lasting peace. If Britain realises her own interest she cannot fail to share this opinion, for news from Mesopotamia must have made her feel the real danger to British influence in the Near East through continued hostilities with Turkey. The “Petit Parisien” says: France wishes to settle the matter diplomatically, without manifestations of force, and considers it necessary at all costs to avoid new causes for conflict. “Le Matin” doubts the pacific intentions of the British Cabinet, and suggests that Lord Curzon’s object may be to obtain maintenance of French troops at Chanak. An early calling of a conference is absolutely necessary to emphasise that all Powers are agreed on maintaining neutrality of the Straits, Kemal having promised not to violate the neutral zone. The point on which British opinion separates from the French is in threatening violence to the Turks before entering into conversations, and in deciding to resist, on the Asiatic side, an army is excited by successes in the field. The only thing which can emerge from that attitude is war, which, if news from Russia 4s able to be believed, will not be confined to the zone of the Straits.—(A. and N.Z.) BEATTY ACCOMPANIES CURZON. TO CONFER WITH 51. POINCARE. (Received 20. 12.15 p.m.) London, Sept. 19. Cabinet resumed this morning, Lord Beatty, Sir H. M. Trenchard and Lord Cavan again attending. It is reported that the French withdrawal of troops came as a surprise, owing to the absence of official confirmation. Meanwhile, the report that Kemal Pasha has given an undertaking to respect the neutral zones has given satisfaction in Downing Street. It is understood the Government would be satisfied with this assurance, provided it was accompanied by adequate guarantees There will b© no fighting if Kemal Pasha has power to prevent his troops violating the neu tral zones in Asia Minor. Cabinet decided that Lord Beatty should proceed to Paris with Lord Curzon to interview M. Poincare, and possibly French naval experts regarding British measures. A definite decision has been reached regarding the action which would be taken in the event of an attempt to violate the neutral zones. Lord Curzon left with full instructions and Lord Beatty follows. The Ministers are agreed that anv movement of the Kemalist troops from the Asiatic side could be effectively stopped by a naval action alone if necessary. As far as is known the French have onlv a few detachments af Chanak No further Cabinet meetings have been arranged, and probably none will be held till after Lord Curzon’s re-

turn. Mr. Lloyd George has gone into the country. BRITISH GOVERNMENT’S POLICY NO RETRACTION. An official statement issued from Downing street, after the Cabinet meeting, says:— It is stated by some newspapers that the semi-offiotal declaration of policy issued on Saturday is now’ regarded as a mistake by the Government. This is untrue. The declaration of policy represented the decisions of Cabinet on the previous day, and was issued with the approval of all Ministers present in London. In order that the public throughout the Empire should not be left in doubt regarding the aims and intentions of the British Government on a critical question of Imperial policy wherein the support of tlie dominions was invited Cabinet is well satisfied with the support accorded, not only in this country but in the dominions. The Empire will not consent to sacrifice the results of the gallant struggle and th© decisive victories of its sons in the eastern theatre. It is reported the Italians have decided to send back to Constantinople the small contingent sent with British troops to tbe neutral zone. Should France and Italy decide not to take part in the defence of the neutral zone Parliament will lie immediately summoned.—(A. and N.Z.) AMERICAN MEDIATION. URGED BY SENATOR LONDON. TO AVERT WORLD WAR. (Received 20, 11.20 a.m.) Washington, Sept. 19. In the House of Representatives Senator London introduced a resolution requesting President Harding to offer to mediate in connection with differences between nations fighting m the Near East. He declared inat European nations cannot settle the trouble because of conflicting interests and jealousies, and it was the duty of the United States to assert its influence to avoid development of a world war.—(A. and N.ZJ (Received 20, 9.0 a.m.) Geneva, Sept. 19. Dr. Nansen told the Commission of the League of Nations that 103,000 Greek and Armenian refugees from Smyrna, and 170,000 from Brussa had arrived at Constantinople. .The commission decided to ask the Ijeague to authorise the placing of Dr. Nansen’s organisation at its disposal for relief work; also to ask the conned to make a grant for their preliminary relief.— Reuter). NEGOTIATIONS WITH FRANCE. LORD CURZON VISITS PARIS. London, Sept. 19. It is now admitted that the British Cabinet received a communication fiom Paris, but the nature is not disclosed. Following, on a Cabinet meeting it was announced that Lord Curzon was going to Paris to lay the British view s before M Poincare. This shows Cabinet’s belief that the situ ation cannot be met by an interchange of Notes. Cabinet still expects the Allies will act in concert regarding die defence of the Straits.—(A. and N.Z.) It is officially stated that the French Government has received from the Angora Government formal assurances that the Turkish troops will not attempt to enter Constantinople or try to cross the Straits. —(A. and N.Z.) BRI TISH LA BOU R ’ S ATT IT UDE. SETTLEMENT BY”NEGOTIATION. (Received 20, 1.0 p.m.) Ixnidon, September 19. Labour is throwing its weight in iavour of settling the Near East trouble by negotiation. Several leaders who were interviewel dwelt on th© danger once war began, of its widespread effect on Moslem populations. Mr. Allen, treasurer of the Independent Labour Party, declared that Labour would do ali it could to mak« the conducting of war impossible, and prevent munitions living sent.—(Reuter.) A municipal employees’ conference in Ijondon protested against the Government’s action in sending troops to Constantinople, and adopted a resolution that “No man. ship, or ammunition should leave th© country in support of such a war.”—(A. and N.Z.) DEFEATED GREEK ARMY. NOW REORGANISING. (Received 20, 1.0 p.m.) Athens, September 19. The -Ministerial Council decided to call up the 1908 and 1909 classes in order to form a civil guard. The last of th© Greek soldiers li/ive left Asia Minor and th© General Staff is reorganising the army.—(A. and N.Z.) CANADA MARKS TIME. AWAITING FURTHER INFORMATION. NEWFOUNDLAND FOLLOWS N. Z. LEAD. (Received 20, 9.20 a.m.) Ottawa, Sept. 19. While the Acting-Premier of Newfoundland has cabled the British Government that the colony was ready to assist against the Turks, the Canadian Cabinet is moving cautiously to sound public opinion pending receipt of additional information asked for from the Imperial authorities. Western newspapers are demanding the fullest details of the situation, in the lx?lief that the public does not favour another war unless proof is ' forthcoming that the Empire’s stabil-! ity is menaced. The Winnipeg | “Tribune,” for instance, states tnat it is for Canada to decide if the British policy is just and wise. Should Parliament be symmoned to discuss the situation it is probable considerable opposition would be held up.—(A. and N.Z.) EARLIER CANADIAN REPORT. While the Government continues to receive communications from all exservicemen’s organisations volunteering their sendees, the Cabinet Council ended a day’s session without an announcement of any kind, and resumed its sittings to-night, which have not yet ended. The French press in Quebec frankly places itself in direct opposition to any movement to send troops to the Near East. Papers point out that Canada is in no way affected by the Turkish situation, and as a self-governing nation of the British Empire should not consent to participating in a strictly European conflict. Mr. Mackenzie King, Prime Minister, following upon the evening session of the Cabinet Council, announced . that he had asked the British Govern- I ment for a more definite statement as ! to what was expected of Canada. Ho ■ refused to divulge what the original! 'communication from Britain to Canada contained, since it was marked secret. He expressed astonishment at the manner in which official prißQpaper despatches sent from T ondon on Saturday outlined what Britain had asked of its dominions. He pointed out that it later developed that these despatches did not convey the impression in conformity with that given ui the official communication from Britain to the Canadian Government. Tbe situation, according to a conversation with Mr. King, appears to be as follows:—If further word from Britain and from two members of the Canadian Cabinet, who are attending the League of Nations with the High

Commissioner in London, seems to warrant sending a Canadian contingent to Asia Minor, Mr. King will call a special session of Parliament to authorise tff e step.—(A. and N.Z.) VANCOUVER OFFERS FIVE BATTALIONS. Vancouver. Sept. 18. The Commandant of the Vancouver Militia has telegraphed Ottawa offering two battalions. Naval reservists have received orders from London to hold themselves in readiness.—(A. and N.Z.) SOUTH AFRICA. NATIONALISTS AGAINST PARTICIPATION. MANY AFRICANDERS ENROLLING (Received 20, 1.0 p.m.) Capetown, Sept. 19. The Nationalist Press strongly protests against any participation in military operations in the Near East. Large numbers are offering themselves for enrolment, though ii is officially announced that recruiting has not yet been authorised.—(A. and N.Z.J AUSTRALIA STANDS BY BRITAIN. NO NEED FOR HURRIED ENLISTMENT. STATEMENT BY PREMIER HUGHES. Melbourne, Sept. 19. After Cabinet consideration of the Imperial Government’s invitation to the dominions to be represented by contingents for the defence of the interests for which they have already made enormous sacrifices and of the soil hallowed by the immortal memoAnzac, Mr. Hughes . outlining the position in the House of I Representatives, stated that while there was grave danger, the situation had not developed to a point where Australia was called upon to do more than associate itself with Britain in endeavouring to maintain the freedom of the Straits and the neutral zone at the Dardanelles. The Commonwealth Government had asked for the fullest information from Brittain regarding the position, and had inquired what was the Allies’ objective. Australia would take part in no filbustering expedition. It had no desire to interfere with the clashing ambitions of the Greeks and Turks. The Government was being asked to stand by Britain, not to take part in any aggressive war, but in preserving the status quo under the Sevres Treaty. There was no need for a single man to offer. Australia was no nation of swashbucklers, but if its own integrity or the integrity of the Empire-was in question it would be prepared to fight, not in a contingent, but with the whole of its forces. He hoped Australia would be able te demonstrate its strength without exerting it. Dealing with the suggestion made by Mr. Charlton, leader oi the Opposition. that the suggested contingent should he made the subject of a referendum. Mr. Hughes declared that it was no question for a referendum. The Government must, with Parliament, accept responsibility. Tbe House was crowded and attentively followed Mr. Hughes’ statement. He submitted no motion to the House. • Military heads assembled at Melbourne are perfecting plans and requirements in readiness for any emergency. A Both the Federal and State Labour parties are opposed to Australia being drawn into h war.-—(A. and N.Z.) 2000 VOLUNTEER IN SYDNEY. Sydney, Sept. 19. Some 2000 men. mostly ex soldiers, visited the barracks yesterday offering to enlist and a steady stream continued throughout to-day. Similar reports come from other centree/ but nothing in the way of enlistment can l>e done until the Federal Government issues official instructions v The military equipment and transport services, medical service, ‘ red cross and comforts funds and V.A.D.’s are putting their houses in order in readiness for any development. N S W. DETERMINATION. TO STAND BY BRITISH EMPIRE. (Received 20. 12.30 p.m.) Sydney, September 20. In the Assembly. Sir G. W. Fuller, in reply to a question, said should the emergency arise from the Turkish situation the Government would stand by the British Empire. Labour members favour an immediate conference of State and Federal members to discuss the question iu all its aspects, some suggesting that even Australan shores would not be immune from invasion if Great Britain were engaged elsewhere. —(A. and N.Z.) NEW ZEALAND VOLUNTEER*. CENTRAL TOTALS 3500. Palmerston North, Sept 20. Enlistments at the Central Military Command Headquarters, Palmerston Korth, up to noun lu-duy numbered 201 officers, 3281 other ranks, and 31 nurses. 'lire local quota is 80 officers and 206 other ranks. ihe number oi volunteers iu the towns named are us iullows;— Christchurch 1230 flu worn 230 Whakatane 4© NAPIER. Following on the war news to-day there has been a decided failing uff in inc numbel ol men oiicnug their »ur* vices, apart from which most of thu men wnu aid not decide on a “ wait and see” policy have handed iu thujr names. Ac lu a.m. this morning there were 160 on the Napier list. HAsl'iNGb. Sergeant-Major O 'Leary is still codtinning tn© registration of volunteers Tor active service, but the enthusiasm seems lu have subsided, in view ol the latest cable from London, and although he uad niiiuty on his list yesterday, at 3 p.m. to-day that number has only mcieased to 100. ARCHBISHOP JULIUS. ON THE EUROPEAN CRISIS. Christchurch, Sept. 20. “There’s very little to be said by an outsider in regard to the preaent «ituatiou, n .said A roh bishop Juliua this morning in response to an invitanon to comment on the situation, “iiy own opinion is that the Turks are elated bj their recent success and will endeavour to recover as much of their pre-war position as they can, and that they would rely very much on the open unrest that exists in India and the attitude of the Mohammedan population to keep the British Empire from opposing them. If Great Britain and her Allies make it quite dear that they are prepared to act in concrete and uphold the treaty, th© Turks, in my opinion, will back down. On that account 1 am thankful for the ready response by New Zealand to the British appeal. We do not want action ol a provocative kind, and are bound to do our utmost to avoid a war wKTch may assume proportions of which wt little dream, and a firm and steady attitude is more than likely to avert any chance of war. I should h“ glad if the clergy throuL'hout New Zr ala nil. under the direction of their bishops, would renew such prayers for Dinne guidance and the promotion of peace and goodwill, as may be found suitable.”