WAR IN NEAR EAST

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11307, 5 September 1922, Page 5

WAR IN NEAR EAST

GREEKS IN FULL FLIGHT RUMOUR THAT ARMY SURRENDERED DENIED. ESKIKHEHR EVACUATED. By Telegraph —Press Assn.—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, September 2. Tnrkish reports state that the Greeks are in full flight, and have withdrawn sixty miles. Greek reports deny that Eskishehr has been oaptured and that the Greek araiy is surrounded. They declare that the army is retreating in an orderly manner and that the Turkish pressure is weakening. ATHENS, September 3. _An official statement admits that Eskisbehr has been evacuated. The newspapers advise the Cabinet to resign and make way for a Coalition Government. CONFERENCE TO BE CONVENED , WHY HOSTILITIES WERE RESUMED. (Received September 4, 5.5 p.m.) PARIS, September 4. The Italian Government has been formally requested to convene the Near Eastern Conference, the Anglo-French agreement regarding "the terms of the convention having been reaohed. The “Temps” declares the Turkish resumption of hostilities is due: Firstly, to the Greek proclamation of autonomy over Smyrna; secondly, to Mr Lloyd George’s speech encouraging Greece; and, thirdly,“to the non-recognition of Fethi Bey’s London mission. “TROUBLED AND MENACING’ 1 FURTHER COLLISIONS IN PALESTINE. September 3. The “Weekly Dispatch” says that, in view of the developments in Asia Minor, the Government is now anxious to expedite the Near East Conference. The Turkish Nationalist victories in Anatolia are sure to enoouraige the extremists, who are plotting to restore the old Turkish Empire, including Mesopotamia and Palestine, where the Moslem sentiment ie greatly inflamed. The victories are also likely to react on the Moslem feeling in India. There have been further collisions between Zionists and Arabs in Palestine, where the situation is troubled and menacing. The situation in Irak in disquieting. The Government’s policy is to rely on air defence, but it is reported that the High Commissioner has requested that troops be sent. CREEK ARMY BEFEATED SPIRT IN TWO SECTIONS. NORTHERN PORTION COMPLETELY DESTROYED. Reuter’s Televram. (Received September 5, 12.15 a.m.) PARIS, Septemoer 5." Summing up the results of the big battle in Anatolia, an Angora communique claims that' the Turkish offensive in the Afiun-Karahissair sector, after being pressed without interruption for five days, ended in the defeat of the bulk of the Greek army, which was split in two. The Northern army was completely destroyed and dispersed, while the Southern suffered severe setbacks and is retreating towards Ushak. Large quantities of war. material and 150 guns were captured. The icommunique adds that) Kutava and Kedos have been occupied by the Turks.