TURKS' BLUFF FAILS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18322, 12 February 1923, Page 7

TURKS' BLUFF FAILS

ALLIED WARSHIPS REMAIN.

ORDER EXPLAINED AWAY.

NOT AN ULTIMATUM.

' \ STRONG NOTE TO ANGORA.

By Telegraph— Associal

(Received 3.5 p.m.)

A. and N.Z.

LONDON, Feb. 9.

Advices from Constantinople state that all the newspapers are most apprehensive in regard to events at Smyrna.

Authoritative Turkish quarters now declare that the Note ordering the withdrawal of Allied warships from Smyrna was in no way an ultimatum—simply a circular informing all States, including neutrals, that the decision of the General Staff forbids vessels over 1000 tons to be stationed in Smyrna Harbour in accordance with the Turkish maritime regulations.

The text of the Allied Commissioners' joint Note to the Angora Government stated that they could not admit, pending the signature of a treaty of peace, the operation-• of any restrictions on the movement of their ships or entry into Turkish ports. Moreover, the measure regarding 'Smyrna was contrary to the rules of ! international courtesy. The Allied . Governments, therefore, demand tho withdrawal of the prohibition on their ships remaining at Smyrna.

There is no news of any act of aggression at Smyrna, though the Turkish ultimatum expired at 6 o'clock on Thursday evening. Allied cruisers and torpedo boats are still in Smyrna Harbour. Most of the French newspapers characterise the Turkish ultimatum as mere bluff. '

It is reported that Ismet Pasha is going to Smyrna to confer with Mustc.nha Kemal. J