THE NEAR EAST.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 16113, 30 April 1923, Page 3

THE NEAR EAST.

TuuKS' NEW MOVE

BRITISH OCCUPATION OF MESSO PGTAMIA.

(Elec Tel. Coiiyright—Dnitecl Press AssnJ [Australian and N.Z. Came Association.) LAUSA-N NE, April 28. Tlic Turks have proposed a form of words which, in the opinion of the Allies, will have tlic effect of abolishing capitulations from September. 1014, when the Turks,, without the consent of the Powers, declared them abolished. It is pointed out that this would make it possible for the Turks legally to claim arrears of taxes from Allied companies, and also annul th<; proceedings of the Consular Courts since their establishment in 1918. .Mr. Carew (the American observer) said the United States wished it to lie understood that they never consented to the proposition that rights acquired under the Treaty could be abrogated. Pelli is leaving to confer with M. Poincare. It is understood that lie carries a. new concession project, suggested by Ismet, for the 1914 concessions to be superseded by Angora's approval of the Chester scheme.

LONDON. April 29.

The Sunday. Express says: General Cox, during a farewell banquet at 15agdad, foreshadowed that the British occupation in Mesopotamia would last four years longer. Pie declared that he could not speak for the Government, except to state that peace with Turkey is essential. lie had no doubt the British would stay until Mesopotamia could stand alone with ultimate independence, which would have been finally achieved in four years.

THE SYRIAN FRONTIER.

FRENCH MILITARY MEASURES.

(Australian .and N.Z. Cable Association.!

(Received April 30. 12.10 p.m.) PARIS, April 29.

The newspapers state that General Weygand is proceeding to the North Syrian frontier to take measures to safeguard the concentration in that region. It is pointed out that General Weygand controls twenty-six thousand troops in Syria, while two divisions of Colonial troops are ready to reinforce him if necessary, but it is thought the Turkish movements are not a prelude to attack, but more probably are meant to support Turkish bargaining at the Lausanne Conference. Meanwhile General Pelle is visiting Paris with Ismet Pasha regarding Franco-Turkish relations.