THE NEAR EAST

Otago Witness, Issue 3610, 22 May 1923, Page 21

THE NEAR EAST

GR-EC O-TU R.KISH DEADLOCK. LAUSANNE, May 16. Sir Horace Rum bold (the British Ambassador in Turkey) emphasised the importance of speeding up the work of the Conference, and urged upon the lurks that the moment had arrived when they could do practical business. The Allies, having made all possible concessions, will now confront the Turks with the questions left in dispute Hie Graeco-Turkish deadlock (which is due to Greece resolutely refusing to pay reparations to Turkey) continues to cause anxiety. The Greeks state that they prefer to recommence the war in Maritza. Sir Horace Rumbold bad a long interview with Ismet Pasha, and also with M. Venezelos and M. Alexandris, who are not disposed to leave the matter open indefinitely. It is understood that the Greek delegates have been instructed to leave Lausanne immediately if the Conference endorses the Turkish claim. May 17. Ismet Pasha and M. Venizelos had a further long meeting. The deadlock, regarding reparations continues, the meeting ending in failure. M. Venizelos afterwards said : “There is no hope of a settlement unless the Turks admit the principle of reciprocity to which we are entitled legally.” This refers to til© Greek contention that if they do not oppose a neutral tribunal to fix the amount of the damage done by the Greek Army in Anatolia the Turks should be prepared to pay compensation in connection with the 500,000 Greeks who were driven out of Anatolia and whose upkeep is now a charge on the Greek Treasury. General Pelle and Sir Horace Rumbold appealed to Ismet, to make a compromise offer, and prevent the wrecking of the conference and possibly a renewal of war in the Near East. ANZAC CEMETERIES. LAUSANNE, May 16. At a meeting of the Political Commit tee. of the conference experts it was anncmced that an Anglo-Turkish agreement had been reached whereby no formalities would be imposed on Britishers visiting Gallipoli graves. GREEK TROOPS MASSED IN THRACE. PARIS, May 18. It is reported that the Greeks have massed 10 divisions in Thrace, four of which are located along the Maritza River.