TURKISH ALARM

Northern Advocate, 2 August 1922, Page 5

TURKISH ALARM

PANIC-STRICKEN PEASANTS

FLEE TO ASIA MIN'OR

GREEKS DISPLAY HOSTILITY.

(Received 9.40 a.m.) PARIS, August 1

Constantinople reports state that many Turkish peasant in the Bosphorus littoral have crossed to the Asiatic shore, panic-stricken. The Allies are adopting extraordinary measures to preserve' peace, but the Greek population has &*ren indulging in boisterous demonstrations since tire Rodosto landing.—A. and N.Z. CONFLICT WITH FRENCH. INCURSION RESENTED. | (Received 9.45 a.m.) CONSTANTINOPLE, July .71. An encounter occurred between Greeks and French owing to the latter entering the Greek zone. It is hoped : that the heavy rain which has begun will check the military clash.—A. and N.Z. AUTONOMOUS GOVERNMENT PROCLAMATIONS DISPLAYED (Received 1.30 p.m.) LONDON, July 31. The "Times' " Smyrna correspondent states that Greek proclamation-! announcing the decision to grant autonomous government have been posted up, stating that M. Stergiades, the Greek High Cmmissioner, undertakes to form a governing body. Notable persons have given promise of loyal cooperation with the new Government. — Times. A LARGE FORCE LANDS AT RODOSTO. LONDON, Julv 31. 1 It is authoritatively learned that Britain and France have completely agreed in regard to steps for the preservation of .the neutrality of Constantinople. It is reported from Constantinople that Greek troops continue to land at Rodosto, where 25,000 have arrived.— A. and N.Z APPARENT COUP. DESPITE ASSURANCES LONDON, July 31. Paris officials fail to understand the Greeks' assurance that they would not attempt a coup at Constantinople in view of the fact that 25,000 troops have been'hurriedly drawn from Angora to Rodosto. The "Daily Chronicle's" Paris correspondent states that the Greek patrols and Turkish gendarmerie have already been in conflict. After tlie Greeks crossed the neutral zone they carried out a reconnaissance of Turkish territory. Turks fired on the invaders, who replied and then retired. Greek headquarters in Thrace have been removed from Adrianople to Tcherkeskend, near Hademkoe, which is the centre of the Chatalja line protecting Constantinople. French troops have been moved to Chatalja from Constantinople. A battalion of the Sussex Regiment has been dispatched to Constantinople from Malta. The French definitely fear the Greeks will execute their threat to occupy Constantinople as the speediest way of terminating the war in Asia Minor. The Government sent a fresh warning to Greece, who it is understood is replying by reiterating the rqguest for permission to occupy Constantinople. The Greeks have also taken the grave step in another direction of proclaiming Smyrna an autonomous State, with a" charter embodying full religious and pol : tical liberty to Moslems and Christians. This coup is undoubtedly intended to present the Allies with a fait accompli and settle the vexed question of the Greek military evacuation of Smyrna. Later reports declare that further conflicts of Greeks and Turks have occurred at Silivri, on the Sea of Marmora.—A. and N.Z. NAVAL CONTINGENT. BRITISH SAFEGUARDS. MALTA, July 31. The .third light cruiser squadron, under Rear-Admiral Sir Reginald Tvrwhitt, is taking in stores, and is then g ing to Constantinople.—A. and N.Z.