THE TURKISH PROBLEM

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18626, 7 August 1922, Page 5

THE TURKISH PROBLEM

GREEK AMBITIONREPLY TO POWERS’ NOTE. Press Association—-By Telegraph— Copyright ATHENS, August 4. The Greek reply to the Powers' Note says that Greece had decided to occupy Constantinople to obtain a prompt conclusion of peace. If the Powers hindered the exercise of Greece’s rights as a belligerent, they would only make the situation still more complicated; Finally, the reply draws attention to the danger of delay in regard to definite peace,_ as such delay might cause fresh calamities for Christians, and perpetuate an intolerable state of things in the Near East.—A. and N.Z. Cable. DEBATE IN COMMONS. GOVERNMENT’S POLICY CRITICISED MR LLOYD GEORGE REPLIES. LONDON, August 4. In the House of Commons the Government’s policy in Asia was criticised. Mr Lloyd George, in replying, said that though it was desirable that peace should be established, there must be a just and enduring peace. The collapse of Russia and Rumania was almost entirely due to Turkey. When she slammed the gates of the Dardanelles, Turkey prolonged the world war by two years. It was our business to hold the balance justly and fairly between the Greeks and the Turks. It was not a question of Mussulman and Christian. It was purely a question of •humanity. As our troops overthrew Turkey, the supreme responsibility for peace with Turkey must bo ours. At present we were defending the Turkish capital; otherwise, without doubt the Greeks would occupy Constantinople in a few hours. The Prime Minister said he earnestly trusted that, whatever happened, we would see that ttye Christians in Asia Minor were adequately protected against a repetition of the horrible incidents of the past, which were a disgrace to Turkey.—A. and N.Z. Cable.