FAVOURABLE TURN

Southland Times, Issue 19654, 3 October 1922, Page 5

FAVOURABLE TURN

TURKS TO CONFER WITH ALLIES DETAILS OF EVACUATION CESSATION OF MILITARY OPERATIONS The situation in the Near East has undergone a marked change for the better. Kemal Pasha has agreed to a conference at Mudania to-day between the Allied commanders and Turkish representatives to arrange details of the evacuation of the neutral zones, the troops meanwhile being confined to their present positions. Should the Mudania conference be successful it will be followed by a peace conference, probably on October 15.

AN IMMEDIATE CONFERENCE TURKS TO LEAVE ERENKEUI. CONFERENCE AT MUDANIA. (By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright l . (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, October 1. It is officially stated that the situation is easier. The Turks have promised to withdraw from Erenkeui, and the question of the complete Turkish evacuation of the neutral zone has been referred to the Allied Generals, who are meeting at Mudania on Tuesday. Despite the anxiety occasioned by Cabinet sitting throughout Sunday and only adjourning late in the afternoon, the Near Eastern position taken a marked turn for the better. M. Venizelos, who visited the Foreign Office, has not yet seen Lord Curzon, but will do so to-morrow. lie seems determined to assist the new Greek regime at any rate to the extent of advising it upon matters of foreign poticy. The latest messages from General Sir Charles Harington are also reassuring. Though not published yet, it is stated that they indicate that the immediate danger has passed, and that the Mudania conference on Tuesdaj’ should be able to settle the problem of the neutral zone, especially as M. Bouillon reports that. Kemal is inclined to be conciliatory. M. Bouillon has gone to Constantinople to advise General Harington regarding Kemal’s attitude. THE MUDANIA CONFERENCE. FRANCE AND ITALY TO ATTEND. CONSTANTINOPLE, October 1. A telegram has been received advising that France and Italy have agreed to ac-

cept Kemal’s offer of a preliminary conference at Mudania on Tuesday. They will be represented by their respective High Commissioners in Constantinople. The Turks have occupied several islands on the Asia Minor coast. FRENCH DIPLOMATIC SUCCESS. SCOPE OF THE CONFERENCE. PARIS. October 1. In obtaining Turkish consent to the conference at Mudania. the Quai D’Orsay indicates that M. Bouillon succeeded in calming fears respecting the British reinforcements and Greek intentions in Thrace. He did not accompany Kemal to Angora, but as a result of conversations at Smyrna. Kemal agreed to send to the Conference Ismet Pasha. General Harington is believed to have agreed to this course. Other representatives, if the Conference Lakes place, will be France (General Chapry), and Italy (General Nombelh). The Greeks may be represented later, but the approbation of the Allied Governments is understood to be necessary. The proposals, which, are warmly supported by France and Italy, have been forwarded to London. The Journal des Debase states:—“lf the Turks think they can talk as the masters of Europe they deceive themselves. If they are to be allowed to send troops into Thrace, massacres and burnings are inevitable. It is folly to wait till the Angora Government puts itself into accord with Moscow before taking indispensable measures.” A military critic, Commandant Civrieux, estimates that the Turks number 200,000 and the British now there 30,000, which will be increased with reinforcements to 60,000. He considers the Bosphorus is Kemal’s main objective, Chanak being only a demonstration. Advices from Angora state that aeroplanes bombed Greek ships off Mitylene. TROOPS CONFINED TO PRESENT POSITIONS. EVACUATION DETAILS TO BE ARRANGED. EARLY PEACE CONFERENCE PROJECTEID. KEMALISTS APPRItHENSIVE OF GREEK COUP. IjONDON, October 1. (Received October 2, 8.25 p.m. ) A Constantinople telegram stales that as the result of M. Bouillon’s interview with Kemal it is proposed to hold a conference of generals on October 3 to fix the military arrangements pending a diplomatic conference to settle peace. All troops will immediately be confined to the positions they at present occupy, and the generals at. Modania will arrange conditions for the evacuation of the neutral zones in Chanak and Thrace. The Turkish authorities hope that if the Mudania conferenw is successful the peace conference will be held on October 15.

The Daily Express’s correspondent at Constantinople reports that, Hamid Bey states that the cessation of operations will be unconditional.

Mr Martin Donohoe, who is at Constantinople, says:— “Kemalist circles are following with deep interest the overthrow of Constantine. The National newspapers are unable to conceal their uneasiness, and fear that the dilatory tactics of Kemal may end in losing the tempory advantage which resulted from his victories in Anatolia. The Kemalists consider that the coming back of M. Venizelos forbodes no good to their cause. For one thing, the Powers may make a paj>er offer' of Thrace, but. will they expel the Greeks? I learn that Kemal will assuredly demand that the Allies enforce the Greek evacuation of Thrace and ite occupation by National troops as a preliminary condition to the peace conference. Irregular bands of Turks are now operating in Thrace on the plea of protecting the oppressed Moslems. so the public may expect to hear of the usaal outrages and counter outrages.” HAMID BEY’S DESPATCH THE THRACIAN QUESTION PARIS, October 1. (Received October 2, 8.25 p.m.l The Angora despatch, which was signed by Hamid Bey, Foreign Minister, states that the formal reply to the Allied note will be sent in a few days. The decision to cease military operations was influenced by M. Bouillon’s assurances.

The despatch points out that the Greek occupation of Thrace for a day longer than it could possibly be ended constitutes a cause of danger .and suffering.

General Ihmet Pasha will represent the Angora Government at the Mudania conference. THE GREEKS IN THRACE CAUSE OF FRENCH ANXIETY AN INTERVIEW WITH KEMAL LANDING IN THRACE DISCUSSED LONDON, October 1. (Received October 2, 8.25 p.m.) The Morning Post’s Paris correspondent, discussing the Near East, says the highest political authority declares that whatever the result of the negotiations, the Kemalists’ situation in Thrace causes anxiety. France did not believe that, the Greeks would defend the territory against the Turks, but thought that if they were compelled to evacuate they would fire the country, when it would be impossible to prevent Kemal from crossing the straits. The correspondent of the Figaro interviewed Kemal, who declared that he would continue his efforts until all Turkish territory was liberated, including Constantinople, Thrace, Anatolia, Mosul, and half Mesopotamia. /Asked if he did not fear a conflict with the British, he replied that he was not fighting the British but the Greeks. Kemal said he could proceed to Thrace, via Scutari and the Black Sea. He has sufficient transports to land the best of his troops in Thrace in 24 hours, and they are only awaiting orders. The Sultan is an unimportant puppet. Other reports declare that Kemal accepted a Soviet offer of all necessary sea transport for his troops which would be conveyed by a route avoiding the neutral zone and the British fleet. THE ANGORA NOTE. GREEK EVACUATION OF THRACE DEMANDED. CHANGE IN TONE OF FRENCH PRESS. PARIS, October 2. (Received October 2, 11.25 p.m.l Official: The Angora Government informed M. Poincare that it had ordered the immediate cessation of military o{>erations towards Constantinople and the Chanak area, but it demands an immediate Greek evacuation of Thrace from the Mari tea— Adrianople line. The receipt of the Angora note coincides with a striking change in view of the press which is alarmed by the Turkish obstinacy in remaining in the neutral zone. The majority, of the papers warn the Turks that there is a limit tteyond which they must not' proceed. Most of the papers urge Britain to withdraw from Chanak, emphasising the point that if Britain decided on force she must act alone. The Petit. Parisien states: “The first point we should make clear is that France will not go back on her engagements, particularly those contained in the Allied note to the Turks on September 23. The paper refers to profound emotion felt in England and the Dominions in the present crisis, and states that the British who are the faithful allies of France, will say, “if the Turks force us to declare war will you forget what we did in 1914?” It added that the whole future of Anglo-French relations is at stake. Le Temps declares that Paris and Rome are as strongly resolved as London that the neutrality conditions must be fulfilled. AN INCIDENT AT CHANAK RACE FOR A RIDGE. (United Service.) IX)NDON, October 1. Mr G. Ward Price, writing from Chanak, supplies the following incident illustrating the strained position of affairs in one of the most remarkable situations in military history. The Third Hussars actually engaged the Turkish cavalry in a thrilling race for the possession of an important ridge at Kephez, the British winning by 70 yards.

The officers parleyed with the Turks, who demanded the ridge, but the British refused to withdraw. All night along the

two parties wore vis-a-vis and most vigilant. At. dawn the Turks retired to the vaHey. The Kemalists’ policy of peaceful penetration brought them up against British

BRITISH NAVAL FORCE. NINE CAPITAL SHIPS. MALTA, October 1. The King George V. has been hurriedly taken out of dock, and is now coaling and provisioning prior to her departure for Constantinople. The Benbow will sail next week. Their arrival will make a total of nine capital ships mounting twenty-four loin and sixty 13.5 in guns. THE REVOLUTION IN GREECE A PRO-ALLY MOVEMENT. REMOVAL OF GERMANOPHILES. ATHENS. October 1. According to a semi-official statement, the definite object of the revolution is to bring Greece back within the Allied family circle. All political or military authorities suspected of t pro-Germanism, or being otherwise opposed to the Allies are being ruthlessly removed. M. Gonatis has issued a manifesto stating that the revolution was proclaimed in order to retain Tlirace. He aims at the solid reorganisation of the military forces and the cessation of vague discords. The first act of the new Cabinet was to request, the revolutionaries to suspend their military committee, the Cabinet promising in return to reconstitute the army and take steps to defend Thrace. The Revolutionary Committee in congratulating the King said he ascended the throne at a moment when the country was divided, but the country would overcome the faults of the past and defend the interests of the nation with a view to realising the aspirations of the people. Other members of the Cabinet are:— M. Zavitzanos, Treasury; M. George Rhallis, Posts and Telegraphs; and M. Christomanos, Agriculture.

It is understood that M. Venizdos has been asked to return, but he awaits further developments. A Cabinet has been formed with. Premier, Zaiis; Foreign Office, M. Politis; War, M. Caralamtis; Navy, M. Pagmchristou. The revolutionary committee still controls the city. Constantine and his family have gone to Palermo. All those arrested in connection with Greece’s misfortune will be kept in custody till the National Assembly has decided on the procedure. The existing Assembly has been declared dissolved, the election being held in November. SPEECH BY THE KING CHANGE DEFINITE AND IRREVOCABLE ATHENS, October 1. (Received October 2, 8.25 p.m.) The King, replying to the Revolutionary I Committee, congratulated them on the success of the movement and expressed the conviction that their objects were absolutely sincere and would result brilliantly for the national cause. Constantine would not attempt to recover the throne. The King said he considered that the change of the crown was definite and irrevocable, and Constantine shared that opinion. M. VENIZELOS. TO ACT AS AMBASSADOR ABROAD. LONDON, October 1. M. Venizelos has accepted the duty of directing Greece’s national questions abroad and he will act as Greek Ambassador abroad. THE SMYRNA REFUGEES PROGRESS OF EVACUATION. CONSTANTINOPLE, October 2. (Received October 2, 11.25 pjn.) Seventy-seven thousand refugees have been evacuated from Smyrna. THE SOVIETS POLICY STATEMENT BY LITVINOFF. CONCENTRATION IN THE CAUCASUS. (The Times.) BERLIN, September 30. M. Litvinoff declared in an interview that the Soviet was anxious to avert war in the Near East and will use its influence to that end, but a conflict can only be averted if Russia and the Black Sea States are allowed to participate in the peace settlement. Complete solidarity on this point exists between Moscow. Kharkoff, and Angora. The Soviet Military Gcuncil is carrying out plans for military co-opera-tion with Kemal, and details are being hurriedly worked out. The entire second I division of the Don Basin has arrived at \ Minsk, the twenty-fourth division from Nijni at Tiflis. The fifth cavalry division from Novgorod, and the seventeenth division from Kursk are hurriedly moving to the Caucasus, where Generals Kanicukfl and Jjebedeff are preparing to transport troops to the East. The Moscow Government on September 25 instructed ite Angora representative to bring pressure upon Kemal in order to prevent him giving in to the British demands, and also promising him military and financial assistance. UNITED STATES AND TURKEY TiHE AMERICAN NATION’S POLICY WASHINGTON, October 1. (Received October 2, 7.25 p.m.l

A statement by Senator Lodge in the Republican campaign book just published, discloses the administration’s policy towards Turkey. Senator Ix>dge says the administration provided American representation on the commission to investigate the hideous conditions created by the Turks in Asia Minor. The commission, which consists of representatives of Britain France, Italy, and the United States, is the beginning of a serious effort to end Turkish outrages. THE DOMINION’S PART. SPEECH BY MR MAHSEY. (Special to the Times i. LEVIN, October 2. Phe war clouds have been banking up and spreading until the whole sky seems Io be covered, and many of us are afraid that one of these days we shall wee the cloud burst,” said the Prime Minister to-night. “It is very disappointing to us all to realise that while we are still troubled with the aftermath of the Great War we may be called upon again to do our duty to ’ our countrj’ and the Empire. If the clash comes, and it may come, I know I am right in saying that the people of New Zealand will stand un to it. They will do their duty and take the consequences whatever they may be. The future is in the hands of Providence and all that we can do is to leave it there and hope for the best. We ought to know within another fortnight whether we are going to be at war or not. I don’t expect that anything very serious will happen in the next few days, but there is no knowing. Two armies are in sight of one another, and it is almost as if a man were walking in the powder magazine with a lighted candle. The danger is really serious. It is in the hands of a higher power and I believe we are going to be all right. If we fight we shall fight for a righteous cause.” FURTHER ENLISTMENTS. Offers to serve are still being steadily received at the local Defence Office, although the majority now sending in their names are from outlying districts. Should a definite, request be made by the Government for further enlistments, however, it is estimated that the present number of applications to serve would be more than doubled.