KEMAL’S REPLY

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XII, Issue 245, 29 September 1922, Page 5

KEMAL’S REPLY

STILL AWAITED TURKS IN NEUTRAL ZONE. HARIXGTOX HAS DISCRETIONARY POWERS. By Cable.—Pre*- Association.—Copy right, r London, Sept. 27. Mr. C. Ward Price, the "Daily Mails" war correspondent, telegraphing from Constantinople, says: "Hamid Bey has announced that he has received a message from Kemal, stating that he is prepared to agree to the proposed conference, but is consulting the Angora Assembly before making his official reply . The Allies are now in telegraphic communication with Angora.”—(United * Service.) Cabinet sat for an hour and a half. It had been hoped to consider Kemal's reply, but none arrived. Cabinet then considered the incursion of Turkish troops into the neutral zone, where they still remain. General Harington has been given no time limit, but has full discretionary powers. It is understood the British Government has not yet received any request from Australia and New Zealand seeking special representation at the Near East conference in view of their special interest in Gallipoli. If such a request is made it is certain to be granted. A similar privilege would then probably be offered to India and all the dominions. —(A. and N.Z.) 1 Rome. Srpt. 2'

The Pope has telegraphed Kemal, hoping for a speedy conclusion of peace and urging him to avert further bloodshed.—(Router.)

TURKS AT CHANAK. DANGEROUS MOVEMENTS. HARINGTON’S ENDEAVOUR TO AVOID INCIDENT. Constantinople, Sept. 27. The Turkish cavalry from Erenkeui have been reinforced and are advancing north-east upon Asmali Tepe (Hill) apparently in order to cut off the British advanced post at Kepez Bumu (Cape), a fort on the Dardanelles cliffs, midway between Chanak and Erenkeui. A British column with artillery left Chanak to counter the threat. General Harington. in a conciliatory reply to Kemal Pasha, thanks him for the declaration that he will respect the neutrality of the Straits and his desire to avoid incidents. General Harington points out that the destruction of buildings and roads was carried out as a military necessity. General Harington assures Kemal that no shot will be fired except by his (General Harington’s) orders. He expresses readiness to meet Kemal anywhere convenient to discuss an understanding.—(Reuter). CHAOS AT CONSTANTINOPLE. EXODUS SIMILAR TO 1912. London, Sept. 27. Mr. Martin Donohoe, the "Daily Chronicle’s” Constantinople correspondent. reports that an exodus continues similar to that witnessed in the days preceding the Balkan war m 1912. Trade is demoralised and shipping offices are besieged by would-be passengers. Even the Sultan may demand a passport to Switzerland or England, rather than be locked up in the Yildiz Kiosk bv the Nationalists.—(A. and N.Z.) CREEK WARSHIPS A MENACE. ATLANTIC DESTROYER FLOTILLA ARRIVES. London, Sept. 27. The "Times’ ” Constantinople correspondent states that the Greek warships Averoff and Velios are still in the Bosporus and the Allies’ High Commissioners are urging their withdrawal as their presence is calculated to have a provocative effect. The Averoff is taking off the Greek military mission from Constantinople. The first destroyer flotilla from the Atlantic fleet has arrived to help calm nervousness/in the city.—("Times.”)

FRENCH IK SYRIA. RECENT PRO-TURKISH POLICY. A TWO-EDGED SWORD. London, Sept. 27. The 4 ‘Daily Express 5 ” Cairo correspondent reports that France will be unable to hold the whole of Syria much longer. Already Northern Syria is largely under the sway of battle. Even the main caravan route Is closed. Business men from Beirout. who travelled through the Aleppo district, state that they were often fired on in that enormous mountainous tract, which the French forces are unable efficiently to control. The tendency seems to lie toward France retaining Great Lebanon and , handing over the rest of Syria to the Kemalists.— (A. and N.Z.) SELF CENTRED AMERICA. DESTROYERS TO PROTECT OWN INTERESTS. Washington. Sept. 27. The Navy Department has announced that twelve United States destroyers have Icon ordered to proceed from Norfolk. Virginia, to Constantinople pusuant to a request by Admiral Bristol. The Department pointed out that the flotilla would protect United States interests and furnish supplies to refugees, but this did not indicate military participation.— (A. and N.Z.) LEAGUE OF NATIONS. WILL NOT INTERVENE. Geneva, Sept. 27. The League Assembly unanimously adopted the revision of the resolution with reference to the League’s intervention in the Near East crisis, expressing satisfaction at the proposed international conference and agreeing that the League was ready to render its services without interfering in any wav with the proposed negotiations. This finally disposes of all suggestions that the League should intervene in the Near East.—(A. and N.Z.) Russian Demands COMPLETE RESTORATION OF TURKEY. INSISTS ON PARTICIPATION IN CONFERENCE. London. Sept. 27. A Soviet Note has been received by the Foreign Office asking that Russia. Georgia and Ukraine shall participate in the N<*ar East conference. The Note says none of the Western Powers are taking steps to prevent war. The key to the Near East question is the effective restoration of Turkish sovereignty and Turkish lands, especially the Straits and (onstantijiople.

The Soviet alleges that the Western Powers, of which Britain is the most obstinate, refuse to restore the Turks their territory and the Straits, ostensibly for the sake of the preservation of the neutrality of the Straits, but really because they wish to keeex» the Straits under their own control. Russia will recognise no decision in regard to the Straits in I which she has not participated and which ignores her interests.—(Reuter )