NEAR EAST CRISIS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 16042, 1 February 1923, Page 3

NEAR EAST CRISIS.

EUROPE A POWDER MAGAZINE

FRANCE WOULD AVERT CALAMITY

IRAK APPEALS TG LEAGUE

/Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.i (Australian and N.Z cable Association) LONDON, Jan. 31.

The Morning Post’s Paris correspondent states that the French Note declares the draft treaty does not constitute the final project, whose terms cannot be discussed, but is merely a document setting out. the present stage of negotiations. France had already made more concessions than are consistent with French interests. She will not refuse other reasonable concessions it sufficiently supported, and is prepared to continue negotiations when and where deemed suitable.

The French view is that, apart from the Ruhr, Europe is again a powder magazine which a spark may touch unless the elements on the surface at Lausanne are delicately handled. It is stated by another correspondent that the Italian delegation at Lausanne agrees with the French Note. Tho Irak Government has forwarded an appeal to the League of Nations, expressing its firm intention to defend its rights and the original boundaries of its country.

PARIS, Jan. 30.

In his address to the League of Nations Council wherein lie announced that, if the Turks reject arbitration in connection with the Irak frontiers, Britain would invoke Article 11 of the Covenant, Earl Balfour said that Britain was simply acting in accordance with the mandate. He regretted the Turks did not accept Lord Curzon’s proposal that the League should arbitrate regarding the frontiers of mandated territory, and hoped that this, which is the fairest method of dealing with the matter, would ultimately be accepted. He thought the threat to the. world’s peace would not occur. Nevertheless precautions must be taken. If there were no threat and no danger of attack on the Irak frontier no nation would rejoice more than Britain. Although Turkey was not a member of the League she could participate in the discussion, wherein she would be welcome. She would bo treated with justice and peffect equality.

M. Viviani said that no Power, whether member or not, need fear to lack tDo Council’s fairness. The Council had noted Lord . Curzon’s appeal and would not take action until peace was endangered.

LAUSANNE, Jan. 30.

Two conventions, the first for the exchange of populations, and the second for war prisoners and civil hostages, were signed to-day. The former becomes part of the peace treaty, operating after the signing thereof. The latter is outside the treaty, operating immediately. At the plenary session to-morrow, the Allies will present their peace terms and the Turks submit counter-proposals.

The Straits Commission meets on Thursday. It is generally expected the Russians, will neither attend the meeting nor sign the Straits convention. It is understood the treaty closely follows conference decisions. Turkey recognises Britain’s annexation of Cyprus and Egypt’s status, also French interests in Morocco and Tunis. A buffer State will be created between the Turks and Greeks in the Maritza region and autonomy will be conferred on Imbros, and Tenedos under Turkish sovereignty.

ANGOH.A’S ATTITUDE

VIOLENT ATTACKS ON BRITAIN,

(The Times..' (Received Feb. 1, 9.50 a.m.) LONDON, Jan. 30. Constantinople messagesi report that political circles in Angora loudly proclaim a. belief that if the British do not modify their attitude Turkey will nek shrink from war.£- A majority of the newspapers echo the sentiment, with the notable exception of the Vakliit, which usually reflects the opinion of the Angora Government. The Vakliit says that, the conference lias failed, the time has come to open separate negotiations between Turkey and England.

Reuter’s Constantinople correspondent, telegraphing on the 30th., with reference to. the British claim in regard to cemeteries at the Dardanelles, states Turkish newspaperes publish photographs of a pyramid! of skulls and human hones which, they state, represent 66,0CX) Turkish soldiers who sacrifieced l their lives on Gallipoli. The Turkish press violently attacks Britain and attributes the British attitude at Lausanne to petroleum interests at Baghdlad. Troops from Basra and) Baghdad are continuing to reinforce Mosul, with a. view to eliminating the possibility of the Turks inciting Kurdish raids. The main Turkish concentration is now on. a. frontier 100 miles northwest of Mosul.

FRENCH NOTE CAUSES SENSATION.

A FLAGRANT VIOLATION

(Received February 1, 10.40 a.m.) LONDON, Jan. 31. Serious consequences are anticipated from the French Note to Angora. The French Government eommunicaetd with Britain, explaining France’s intentions and declaring that every effort would be made to avoid a rupture, which would be prcjudical to- French interests, but the French Note to Angora was published before Lord Curzon received the French despatch. The French action occasioned a great sensation among the British delegation, which issued a statement discrediting the reported issue of a French Note to Angora, remarking it would be a flagrant violation of the mutual undertakings given by the Allied plenipotentiaries only a few days ago if such a Note were to be issued without reference to the- British delegation.

TSMET ASKS FOR FORTNIGHT’S DELAY. (Australian . and NZ Cable Association.' (Received' Feb. 1, 12.40 p.m.) LAUSANNE, Jan, 31. Ismet, replying to the Allies, asked 1 for a fortnight to consider the) treaty; also that the Commissions might ro assemble' in a week. He hoped in tlio meantime all efforts would bo made to secure peace. PLAYING INTO TURKS’ HANDS. FRENCH AND BRITISH VIEWPOINTS. (Received February 1, 12.15 p.m.) LONDON, Jan. 31. Official circles are not aware of the reported French note regarding the treaty. The note has not been received in London offiically. It is stated that the despatches today did not indicate tlio drastic action contemplated by any! of the Allies. Even if the Turks refused to accept the treaty, there is every indication that the French would do nothing to jeopardise Anglo-French relations. There is no question of France desiring to enter a separate agreement.

Britain is not prepared (o remain at Lausanne and continue discussions since this would only play into the Turks’ hands and encourage them to shilly-shally. The British were prepared to leave an official at Lausanne to explain the points in tlio treaty. PARIS, Nov. 31.

The Government cannot understand the British delegation’s surprise regarding the French attitude. Franco steadfastly has taken the viewpoint during the conversations that the peace proposals should not bo considered an ultimatum.