UNCERTAINTY CONTINUES.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XII, Issue 241, 25 September 1922, Page 5

UNCERTAINTY CONTINUES.

KEMAL DEMANDS

OCCUPATION OF CONSTANTINOPLE

Prior to Holding Conference.

BACKED BY SOVIET RUSSIA.

IBy Cable.—Pres* Association.—Copyright.) (Received 25, 9.20 a.m.) Berlin, Sept. 23. M. Tchitcherin, interviewed by the “Berliner Tageblatt,” stated that the Soviet fully endorsed the Turkish policy. Regulation of the Straits should be iu the hands of the six States bordering the Black Sea. Russia, Turkey, Ukraine and Georgia had agreed to this point. Constantinople must be the Turkish capital.—(A. and N.Z.) London, Sept. 23. The “Daily Telegraph’s” Constantinople correspondent says serious concentration is occurring at Ismid, whither Kemal is proceeding. There is ground for believing the Kemalists will make Constantinople their objective rather than Chanak, because of the larger supplies available in the Ismid region, while the hostile jiopulation in Constantinople would cause trouble in the rear of the British.—(A. and N.Z.) (Received 25, 9.5 a.m.) London, Sept. 23. The “Daily Mail’s” Paris correspondent says there was an important interview between the French Admiral Demesnie and Mustapha Kemal, on whom the Admiral was instructed to impress the necessity of restraining his victorious army from attacking the British. Admiral Demesnie reports that he found Kemal most determined that Turkish rights must be observed, though he was conciliatory and showed remarkable judgment and sobriety in the expression of his demands. He frankly admitted that he was ready to accept the freedom of the Straits provided a proper formula could be found. He added:— “I have looked for a formula, but have not found a satisfactory one; still there must be a way out of the difficulty."— (United Service). Paris, Sept. 24. The Bureau of Eastern Information publishes an official communique fiom Adana, stating that unless the Allies reach an understanding for the immediate and definite recognition of the Turkish claims embodied in the National pact of the Near East question, immediate action by the Nationalist army will be rendered inevitable with a view to the deliverance of Thrace.—(A. and N.Z.) Constantinople, Sept. 22. It is reported that the Kemalists have seized Toap Ezine, on the eastern side of the Dardanelles, and are threatening Kum Kale, an important key to the position of the Dardanelles. It is also reported that the Kemalists are bringing up big Skoda batteries, while British aeroplanes are flying over the Nationalist lines.—(Reuter.) (Received 25, 8.5 a.m.) Constantinople, Sept. 23. French whippet tanks have been brought to a central vantage point near Seraglio Point, at the Marmara Sea entrance to the Bosporus, and the French garrison in Stamboui nas been strengthened by a battalion from Chatalja.—(A. and N.Z.)

British Policy.

Allies felt themselves obliged in 1918 to ensure that there should be no recurrence of these murders and for ’• that reason the mandates were introduced. The Greeks, who had the mandate for South-eastern Anatolia, exchanged \ enizelos for Constantine. The sequel was the severest criticism of the choice. Britain would do her best to obtain an immediate peace conference of all j the Powers to avert war, which was regarded as a calamity. Before the army which had left Smyrna a heap of ruins was permitted to cross to _ Europe peace must be established. ’ FUTURE MUST BE SECURED. I The appeal was addressed to Ausi tralia and New Zealand because they s had a special interest in the defence - of Gallipoli They had sacrificed thou--1 sands of their most heroic sons in p order to achieve the freedom of the a Straits. The Government felt that - I when that freedom was challenged Australia and New Zealand had a right to associate themselves with any acj tion taken to maintain what it’ bad a cost them so much to achieve. “What- _ ever happens at the peace conference e we shall not abandon the policy of 1 securing the freedom of the Straits. I s do not mean securing it by a treaty u depending on the caprice of any Govr ernment there may be at Constantinople. We had the promise of the 9 freedom of the Straits before 1914, but German intrigues overcame not merely , promises, but also real Turkish inu terests z Future security, therefore, . must lie reliable and effective. — a (Argus.l 1 POINCARE’S PACIFIC POLICY, t ‘ ASSURANCES REGARDING THE t . FUTURE. f REMARKABLE FAITH IN UNt TRUSTWORTHY TURK. Paris, bept. 23. M. Poincare informed newspaper men that though accord had not yet ? been reached in the conversations, he - hoped to be able to announce to-mor-t row that a formula had been found acJ ceptable to all. If the Allies did not r agree on a common policy each would I addrew a separate Note to the Turks. He could give an assurance that such Notes would not be of a threatening _ character, but would be couched in the i friendliest terms. France would accomt pany her Note with the most jiacific & assurance regarding the future. A 1 collective Note, if agreed upon, would 1 suggest to the belligerents an imme- ’ diate conference to bring about peace. 5 The Turks were being invited to a pre- » liminary conference with a view to efj feeting an armistice.—(A. and N.Z.) I ALLIES JOINT NOTE. FULL-I’o WEB CONFERENCE AT VENICE. WIDE CONCESSIONS PROMISED TO KEMAL. Paris, Sept. 23. The Allied conference on the Near East has issued a Note on behalf of Britain, France and Italy, requesting the Nationalist Assembly of Turkey to inform them if it is ready to send representatives with full powers to a conference at Venice, at which Britain, France, Italy, Japan, Turkey, Roumania, Jugo-Slavia, and Greece will be represented. The object of the conference will be to negotiate final peace between Turky, Greece, and the Allied Powers. The Note proceeds: “The three Powers take the opportunity of declaring that they view with favour Turkey’s desire to recover Thrace as far as the 1 river Maritza and Adrianople. On condition that the Angora Government does not send its army during or before the peace negotiations into the proclaimed neutral zones, the three Governments will be willing to support at the conference the attribution of these frontiers to Turkey, it being under stood, however, that steps will bo taken ' to come to an agreement to safeguard the interests of Turkey and her neighbours, to demilitarise certain zones to be fixed with a view to making peace, to obtain the peaceful re establishment of Turkish authority, and. finally, to ensure the freedom of the Dardanelles, the Marmara, and tin* Bosporus, as .well as the protection of the racial uiid

TWO SUPREME CONSIDERATIONS. FREEDOM OF THE STRAITS. MAINTENANCE OF BALKAN PEACE. LLOYD GEORGE’S ENLIGHTENING STATEMENT. London, Sept. 23. Mr. Lloyd George summoned newspaper men to 10 Downing Street to make a statement. He thought it desirable in view of the misapprehension of the character of the difficulties in the Near East to state the actual facts of the position. Any aefion the Government had taken was not concerned with the merits or demerits of the Graeco-Turkish dispute, which was a matter for determination by a conference between the Allies and the belligerents. The present action was, Mr. Lloyd George said, dictated by two supreme considerations. The first was our anxiety regarding the freedom of the seas between the Mediterranean- and Black Sea. The closing of the Straits by the Power which pwed more to Britain and France than any other two Powers did was an act of perfidy which was directly responsible for the collapse of Roumania, our most powerful ally in that quarter of the globe, and had the effect of prolonging the war at least two years. It was an essential condition of the world’s peace that there should be an effective guarantee of the freedom of these seas in future. If peace was signed without the achievement of that object it Would be equivalent to defeat. Britain was taking no separate action, but simply carrying out what was agreed upon by the Allies in 1918. Her chief object then and now was to prevent an exceptionally horrible war spreading into Europe. DRY TINDERS OF THE BALKANS. If the army which could not be restrained by its chiefs from perpetrating the outrage committed at Smyrna were permitted to cross into Europe there was every reason to fear there would be a repetition of these terrible incidents. If the war spread to Thrace, where national rivalries between the Turks and Greeks existed, and where there were Serbs and Bulgarians, there might be a conflagration which would spread with a fire not easily extinguishable. It must not be forgotten that the Great War began in the Balkans. The war in Asia Minor must not spread to Europe. Britain had tlierefore strengthened her position at the Dardanelles and the Bosporus in order to maintain the freedom of the Straits and prevent the spread of the fire which devastated Asia Minor. They did not want the fire to cross the narrow seas and light the dry tinders in the Balkans. IMPARTIAL TO GREEK AND TURK ALIKE. Emphasising British impartiality, the Premier pointed out that General Harrington sent Kemal the same proclamation as he gave to the Greeks some time ago when the latter brought up a division in order to cross the Chatalja lines held by the French. Although the Greek move would have been a formidable counterstroke to the Turk menace at Smyrna, the Greeks would have had to cross the neutral zone. The British Commander-iu-Chief of the Allied forces therefore warned the Greeks in identically the same terms as he has now warned Kemal. The British troops moved up to the Chatalja lines to support the trench It was suggested that Britain was provoking a conflict by continuing to occupy Chanak. Military experts were of opinion that the continued occupation of Chanak was essential to maintain the freedom of the Straits. “We do not wish to hold Gallipoli or Chanak in the interests of the British Empire. We do not claim that Britain alone should have the responsibility of introlling this area. W r e believe these important shores should lie held under the league of Nations in the interests of all nations alike.” The freedom of the Straits was a matter of life and death to Roumania and equally so to Russia. THE UNSPEAKABLE TURK The Turks in Asia Minor were responsible in 191 I and in the early parts of 1915 for I deaths of C hnstians There was no provocation, no rising again** Turkish rule; it wanton, cold-blooded massacre, lhe

religous minorities. The three Governments ere willing to support T|irkey’s admission to the League of Nations. They agrpe to the reaffirming of assurances given in March to withdraw’ troops from Constantinople as soon as the peace treaty enters into force. They will use their influence to procure before the conference the retirement of the Greek forces to a line to be fixed by the Allied generals in agreement with the Greek and Turkish military authorities. The Angora Government will undertake in return not to send troops into the neutral zones and not to cross the Straits or the Sea of Marmara. A meeting might immediately take place between Kemal and the Allied generals to fix the above-men-tioned line. The three Governments are convinced that their appeal will be listened to ,and that they will be able to collaborate with Turkey and the Allies to re-establish the peace for which the whole civilised world is longing.”—(A. and N.Z.) VENUE MAY BE CHANGED. SMYRNA OK ANGORA. DRASTIC REVISION OF SEVRES TREATY EXPECTED. London, Sept. 23. The “Star’s” diplomatic writer says Lord Curzon was instructed to inform M. Poincare and Signor Sforza that Britain was anxious to hold a conference at Smyrna or Angora if the Kemalists did not wish to come to Venice, but it is indispensable that the British condition: regarding the Straits and the neutral zones shall not be disturbed. The “Star” asserts that Turkey can expect a drastic revision of the Sevres (Treaty in her favour, but it is time Kemal officially communicated his intentions to Paris. BRITAIN AVOIDS RISKS. ACTIVE MILITARY PRECAUTIONS. On the other hand the British preparations continue with considerable activity. The War Office has charter ed the Empress of India to transport the second Grenadiers Battalion and the Royal Fusiliers will follow’ almost immediately. Other movements to the Straits are reported from Malta and Egypt. Such precautions are apparently considered necessary, because any hopes based on Kemal’s reported moderation may be shattered by a subordinate firebrand or levies, some of which v.re notoriously undisciplined. According to the “Evening News’” Paris correspondent the French Cabinet regards the warlike preparations with disfavour. It mb even said that the British policy is driving straight to war, and that while France is making every effort to restrain Kemal she is •hampered by Lord Curzon’s inability to indicate what concessions the British are likely to offer. —(United Service.) TURKS FAVOUR SMYRNA. Constantinople, Sept. 23. The Angora Government has suggested Smyrna ns tho venue of the proposed conference. —(A. and N.Z.) EASTERN THRACE AND ADRIANOPLE. THE CHIEF DIFFICULTY. EMBARRASSING POSITION. OP FRANCE. London, Sept. 22. The “Times’ ” Paris correspondent says: “Lord Curzon confessed that the chief difficulty concerned Eastern Thrace and Adrianople, but his intimation that it is the intention of the British Government to solirft thq aid of the League of Nations if a deadlock is otherwise reached is regarded us exceedingly important. There is approval of this proposal in French circles. It would seem that the League is destined to play a more active part in European diplomacy. It is even suggested that Thrace should be autonomous under the control of the League. If untoward incident# should take the whole matter from the hands of diplomats, provoking armed comoat, the eonsequehces of which cannot be foreseen, France would be placed in a most embarrassing position, since she has resolved not to foin in any action against the Turks, but she is naturally concerned with the possibility of her British ally being involved in a dangerous struggle.”—(“Times.’*)

Dirty.

THE “TIMES” AGAIN. ATTACKS LLOYD GEORGE. POLITICAL OPPORTUNISM. (Received 25, 9.5 a.m.) London, September 23. Commenting on the secrecy which still .surrounds Thursday’s parley between the Labourites and the Government, which was so voluble a week ago, the “Times” says: “The brevity of the statements fjom Lindon headquarters lends colour to the suspicion that members were persuaded against their better judgment to agree not to reveal what was said, it i> under* stood Mr. Lloyd George left no doubt in the minds of the niemebrs that he favoured a peaceful settlement, and considered the Government's policy was the best method of securing it/' The article proceeds: “How far Mr. Lloyd George had an eye on tho country it is impossible to say. Any thought of another khaki election is probably out of the question, but it is not so certain whether jo th* event of a peaceful settlement. Mr. Lloyd George may not decide to risk an early appeal to the country, having tbor ojughly ala med the/ electors by the prospect of another war. It is conceivable. if none occurs, that he will ask for renewed confidence from the country as the man who once more saved the Empire.”—(“Times.”)

AT GENEVA.

LEAGUE INTERVENTION MOOTED THREE PROPOSALS DISCUSSED. London, Sept. 23.' The Australian Press Association’s correspondent at Geneva states that a committee of the League of Nations debated three proposals. One was by Dr. Nansen, requesting the Council of the League to consider what measures should be taken with a view to the cessation of hostilities in the Near East by 4 offering the belligerents the League’s good offices. Another was by the Hon. Fisher, on behalf of the British Government, that the League viewed with dismay the possibility of the prolongation of the war in the Near East, but noted with satisfaction that a conference of the Powers concerned was proposed, and that the Council of the League would lie prepared to render assist nee if invited by the negotiating Powers. The third resolution was by Count Ishii (Japan), who sought to combine the other two. Eventually the matter was referred to a drafting committee. Sir Joseph Cook, Mr. Sheldon, and Mr. Justice I Rich were present. Sir Joseph Cook appealed to the Powers to avail themselves of the maqhinerv of the League to bring about a settlement. The la-ague of Nations Assembly adopted a report providing tor the creation of international commissions

of conciliation to deal with international disputes. The plan permits members of the League to negotiate treaties between themselves for the creation of joint conciliation commissioners. INTERNATIONAL POLICE FORCE. A JOINT~APPEAL. London, Sept. 23. Aji appeal on behalf of the Christians and Mohammedans of th© British Empire, signed by many representatives of Labour and religion, urges the speedy formation of an international police force under the League of Nations to deal with the Near East. The appeal says a force is needed to introduce order in Asia Minor, protect Armenians and guard Constantinople. It declares that the Turks intend to prevent an adverse vote in Asia Minor by killing all Armenians. The signatories include the Bishops of Bradford, Chelmford, Lincoln, and Manchester, Mr. John Hodge, M.P., Mr. J. H. Thomas, M.P., Mr. F. Hodges, and Dr. Jowett. —(A. and N.Z.) KEMAL’S DEFIANT DEMANDS. IMMEDIATE OCCUPATION OF THE PORTE. PRIOR TO ANY CONFERENCE. London, Sept. 23. The “Morning Post's” Constantinople correspondent reports that General Pelle, French representative, interviewed Kemal, who demands an immediate conference at Mudania, on the Marmara coast, twenty miles north of Brnssa. at which the Turks’ claim to possession of Constantinople shall be recognised without demur, after which Kemal wil l enter Constantinople with fewer forces than the Allied contingents and establish his Administration. He will then hold a further peace conference. Only on these terms will he agree not to march against the Allies. —(A. and N.Z.) Constantinople, Sept. 23. Kemal’s demand tha« he be allowed to establish an administration here prior to a peace conference is regarded as most dangerous. Even if he came with a smaller force than tho Allies there are large forces of Turkish armed irregulars in the city ready to act with him.—(A. and N.Z.) Mr. G. Ward Price telegraphs from Constantinople suggesting that unofficial assurances should be given Kemal concerning Thrace, and says Kemal suspects that talk is a time-gaining device to check him till our military strength is sufficient to repel an attack.—(United Service). FRANCE’S RESTRAINING INFLUENCE. MUCH HOPED FOR. London, Sept. 22. Despite uncompromising talk by some of Kemal’s adherents, official circles decline to believe it represents Kemal’s real intentions. Much is hoped from France’s good offices to restrain Kemal at least until the Paris conference concludes. —(United Service.) . France is bringing pressure to bear on Kemal not to attempt to open hostilities against France’s ally. Kemal has been informed that the withdrawal of the French contingent from Chanak must not be interpreted as a pretext for forcing the pace. France urges Kemalt to exercise patience. The French Foreign Office confirms Bouillon’s departure from Smyrna and will semi-officially ask Kemal to avoid incidents in the neutral zone, also to state the possible conditions ot peace. —A. and N.Z.) TURKISH ASSURANCE. NO ADVANCE AGAINST CHANAK. Paris, Sept. 23. Whether the Turks violate the neutral zone depends on the Ministerial Council now proceeding at Smyrna under Kemal’s presidency. Turkish officers have communicated with the British at Chanak, asking for information concerning the precise line of the zone, and gave assurances that there was no intention to violate yet so far as their troops were concerned.—(A. and N.Z.) IN CONSTANTINOPLE. CHRISTIANS INSTATE OF PANIC. FEARING OF A TERRIBLE MASSACRE. Constantinople. Sept. 23. News of awful horrors in Smyrna, which surpass the worst Armenian massacres under Abdul Hamid, caused a panic among the entire native Christian population in Constantinople, where it is feared the departure of the Allied troops will signalise a general exodus, h ar-reaching precautions are being taken to preserve order. Ixical ferry-boats are ordered to berth before dark. It is reported that many Kemalist officers are being smuggled to Thrace to organise bands against the Greeks. The French commander has informed the British authorities that he is assured of the maintenance of order over Stamboul in the event of trouble. The French Government has wirelessed to Mustapha requesting him to take no action until the arrival of his special emissary.—(Reuter.) A cable from Rome states that thousands of Italian refugees Irom Smyrna are camping at Taranto and Brindisi, but as the situation m Smyrna is now normal, it is probable arrangements will soon be made to return those still having homes and businesses there.—(A. and N.Z.) THE HAND OF SOVIET RUSSIA. BEHIND KEMAL’S DEFIANT DEMANDS. BOLSHEVIKS SECURING ARMAMENT. Rome, September 22. The press is satisfied with the Paris decision to convene a conference without delay to settle the Eastern question, but the papers are not unanimously confident of success. The “Messagero” fears a TurwRussiau agreement may cause surprise at any moment and doubts the paceful intentions of the Moscow Administration, whom it charges with responsibility for the boldness of the Turkish demands. The “Messagero” expects the British will soon be compelled to withdraw their troops to the European side of the Dardanelles, from which it would be easier to defend the Straits if attacked.—(A. and N.Z.) London. September 22. It is understood the Bolsheviks’ agents are active on the Continent buying war material, especially in Italy, where it is reported a large order for armoured cars, lorries, and machine guns has been placed probably intended for Bolshevik co-operation with the Kemalists—(United Service.) RUSSO-TURKISH CLAIM. RIGHT TO CONTROL THE STRAITS London, Sept. 23. A Soviet Note to Britain claims that the control of the Black Sea concerns only the State adjoining it. Russia cannot consent to opening the Straits to a warship of any country and recognises only the Moscow treaty with the Turks.—(Times.) RUMANIA’S PERIL. A RUSSIAN DEMAND. BELLI FEARED. Bmhaiest. Sept. 22. Four-months ago two Russian avia tors, who flew over Bessarabia dropping pamphlets, crashed and were im-