SITUATION LESS SATISFACTORY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18673, 30 September 1922, Page 7

SITUATION LESS SATISFACTORY

REMAL’S CONFERENCE TEEMS OUTLINED TURKS’ FORWARD MOVEMENT AT CHANAK CONTINUES GENERAL HARINGTON EXERCISES GREAT PATIENCE Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, September 28. A gloomier view is taken in official quarters of the Near Eastern situation consequent on Kemal’s communication to General Haririgton yesterday, in which Kemal refused to recognise the existence of the neutral zone, and even complained that Greek aeroplanes were flying over the alleged neutral zone, and that British artillery had been used against the Turks. It is, however, regarded as characteristic that the Turks should commence negotiations by false allegations and bluff of this nature. The delay in the receipt of ECemal’s reply to the Allies is due, as suggested, to his consulting the Angora Government, and the delay may extend to several days. Meanwhile the situation in the neutral zone is rather critical. It is reported that the Turks are concentrating outside Ismid. The DaiJy Telegraph’s Constantinople correspondent states: There is no information of any considerable concentration of Kemal Ist forces opposite the neutral zone. The British view is that the Nationalist statements about eight divisions at Ismid are untrue. There is a report from a good source that the Bolshevists have concentrated five divisions in the Caucasus. It is Inferred that they purpose exerting pressure on the Turks to act in accordance with Russia’s wishes. The Allies ordered the Greek warship Averof to leave the Bosphorus. Similarly they have forbidden Greek transports with troops at Rodesto to pass the Straits. Equal treatment is thus meted out to Greeks and Turks. Ten British destroyers arc now anchored in the Bosphorus.—A. and N.Z, Cable. THE FOSIT9OH SERIOUS. STATEMENT BY MR MASSEY. WELLINGTON, September 29. Replying in the House to Mr T. W. Rhodes, Mr Massey said he had received a telegram to the effect that Kemal would not consent to be bound by the results of a conference. The position therefore was serious. A CORRECTION. KEMAL NOT PARTY TO CONFERENCE. WELLINGTON, September 29. Before the House proceeded to ordinary business to-night Mr Massey said he desired to make a correction in the statement he made this afternoon regarding Kemal, who, he tften said, had not agreed to be bound by the result of a conference. His information from London now was: “There is no truth in the statement that Kemal has agreed to a conference,” which was not quite the same thing. ESTIMATES OF HEMAL'S - STRENGTH. ARMY OF 60,000 TO 100,000. '• , \ BRITISH GUNS MOUNTED ON GALLIPOLI. LONDON, September 28. ' writes; “British guns from Malta are now mounted on the Gallipoli Peninsula. The latest estimates of Kemal’s strength are between 60,000 and 100,000 bayonets. He has organised seven army corps, and it is believed that he has 60 aeroplanes.”—A. and N.Z. Cable Air Ward Price says: “Owing to the fact that it would take Kemal 48 hours] to convoy his orders to Chanak, it was decided not to give a time limit for the evacuation of the neutral zone. General Harington told me that he was determined not to take any aggressive action till it was clear beyond possible doubt that the troons were intended as a screen behind which guns were being brought up’ to attack Chanak and threaten the safety of the Straits.”—Reuter.

KEMALI3TS’ FORWARD MOVEMENT CONTINUES. BRITISH CABINET DISCUSSIONS. » LONDON, September 28. The succession of Cabinet meetings, which is unprecedented since the war time, shows the delicacy of the Near East situation. The latest news received in ' London indicates that the Kemalists continue their movement towards Ismid and Chanak. —Reuter. ICEMAL TRYING TO PROVOKE CLASH AT CHANAK. \ GENERAL HARINGTON URGED TO EXERCISE PATIENCE • LONDON, September 28. Political circles in London consider that there is little doubt that Kernel's invasions indicate that ho is trying to provoke a clash at Chanak. Instructions have been sent to 'General Harington to exercise the greatest patience and to do everything possible to avoid incidents. - There is danger of a rising in Constantinople itself, where the Turks possess stores of arms and ammunition, The capital is not regarded as suitable for defence. It is considered probable that in the event of attack the-Allies would evacuate it and concentrate at Chanak and Gallipoli in order to defend the Straits -A. and N.Z. CaWo. SULTAN'S ABDICATION REPORTED. DELHI, September 28. It is reported that the Sultan has abdicated in favour of the Heir Apparent.—A, and N.Z. Cable.