ALITES’ DECISION

Southland Times, Issue 19659, 9 October 1922, Page 5

ALITES’ DECISION

CONFERENCE AT PARIS

TURKS TO BE INSTALLED IN EAST THRACE

CBEBK SUBMISSION

MUDANIA CONFERENCE RESUMED A conference at Paris between Lord Curzon, Lord Hardinge and M. Poincare reached an agreement that Eastern Thrace should be evacuated by the Greeks to the Maritza line, and that Turkish control should be installed during the next month under Allied supervision. Greece signified her adherence to the agreement. The neutrai zones are to he slightly modified. The British will remain at Chanak, the Turks withdrawing to a convenient distance. The Mudania Conference has resumed, and is expected to reach an early agreement. The Peace Conference will probably open on November I, and it will be followed by another under the auspices of the League of Nations to settle the regime governing the freedom of the Straits.

CONFERENCE AT PARIS. AGREEMENT REGARDING THR.\CE (By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) PARIS, October 7. (Received October 8, 5.5 p.m.) A conference between Lord Curzon, Lord Hardinge, and M. Poincare began at 11 o’clock in the evening. They were joined by the Italian Charge d’ Affaires in the absence of Signor Sforza. The experts were also present. The conference lasted three hours. Lord Curzon, interviewed on leaving, said they had made good progress. The deliberations will be resumed in the morning. The strictest secrecy has been maintained, but the Havas Agency’s correspondent says it appears to have been agreed to permit Turkish administration and gendarmerie to occupy Thrace as the Greeks retire, the Allied contingents withdrawing therefrom after a rponth. when the territories will lie completely restored to Turkish sovereignty. Final instructions to the Allied High Commissioners in this sense will be drafted at the next meeting. THE AGREEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT BY M. POINCARE IMMEDIATE EVACUATION OF EAST THRACE ACCEPTANCE BY GREECE PARIS, October 7. (Received October 8, 5 h p.m.) M. Poincare and Lord Curzon reached an agreement subject to confirmation by the • respective Cabinets, which will enable the resumption of the Mudania Conference. The French Cabinet has already approved of the agreement, the main outlines of which were communicated to pressmen by M. Poincare, who said he could announce, with Lord Curzon’s authority, even before receiving the British Cabinet's reply, that an agreement had been reached, and as there was every reason to think that the British reply would be favourable, instructions had been sent to the Allied generals at Mudania authorising them to negotiate on the following basis: The immediate evacuation of Eastern Thrace to the Maritza frontier by the Greek, troops under the control of Allied contingents which during the next month would supervise the evacuation and reestablishment of the Turkish gendarmerie and civil administration. The Allied contingents would have the duty of preventing disorders and protecting the lives and property of both Greeks and Mussulmans, and would in turn evacuate Thrace, which would not, however, be definitely restored to the Turks until after the signing of a peace treaty. By these means it was certain the Turks would receive satisfaction. In order to prevent new and inadmiss- 1 ible Turkish demands, about eight French battalions would remain during the Peace Conference, half at Chatalja and half on the western bank of the Maritza. The Greeks had signified their adherence to the formula drawn up, and an early agreement at Mudania might be expected. The neutral zones would Ise slightly modified. The British would remain at Chanak, ! the Turks withdrawing to a convenient disi tance. j After communicating the formula to London, Lord Curzon and M. Poincare discussed the reply to the Adgora note on the Peace Conference. It. is understood that there will probably be two conferences, the first at Scutari -or one at Princes Island, in the Sea of Mari mora, between November 1 and November 10 to settle the peace terms and proclaim the principle of the freedom of the straits. The second, to be held under the auspices of the League of Nations, will settle the regime governing the freedom of the straits. To this conference Russia will probably be invited on a similar footing to the other interested nations. PARIS, October 7. M. Venizelos, during a consultation with M. Poincare, told the latter that Greece was willing to immediately evacuate Thrace to the Maritza, and eventually to the 1914 frontier. M. Venizelos added that Greece would order that no reinforcements be sent to Thrace, but asked that the protection of the Allied troops should continue in Thrace for six weeks. It is semi-offrcially stated that France will not consent to the presence of Soviet delegates at the Peace Conference or holding I,he conference at Smyrna. The Journal des Debats says the Turks are acting as the conquerors of Europe, and promising nothing. BRITISH ENDORSEMENT. A CONDITION. TURKS TO ACCEPT ALLIED NOTE. LON DON, Oc tube r 8. (Received October 9, 1.5 a.m. I It is officially stated that the British Cabinet endorses the Poincare-Curzon agreement, which will be given effect, to .only if the Turkish representatives accept the remaining conditions of the Allied note of September 23, especially regarding the neutral .zones on both sides of the Bosphorus and Dardanelles. GREISCE BOWING TO THE INEVITABLE (Reuter’s Telegrams). ATHENS, October 7. (Received October 8, 5.5 p.m.) A significant semi-official communication to the newspapers, says that the Government is faced with the alternative of accepting the Allied note regarding the restitution of East Thrace to Turkey or offering battle at Chatalja, risking the very existence of the state. The leaders of the country particularly the military leaders would be called on to express their opinions, and decisions would be taken accordingly. ’

M. VENIZELOS’S STATEMANSHIP. IXJNDON, October 7. (Received October 8, 5.5 p.m.) It is semi-officiaily stated in London that the basis of the- Paris discussion was a moderate and statesmanlike proposal by M. Venizelos for Greek evacuation of Thrace subject to the Allies guaranteeing protection of the population. AT MUDANIA. THURSDAY’S SUSPENSION. FRESH DEMANDS BY TURKEY. LONDON, October 6. Kemalist cavalry is now invading the Xsmid zone, while troops are concentrating further to the south-west. It is understood that the Mudania Conference proceeded satisfactorily till yesterday, when the Turks sprang a surprise by • demanding permission to immediately oc- ■ c-upy Eastern Thrace, before the peace conj ference to which the Angora Government had consented. This occupation was demanded with adequate safeguards for the protection of minorities, and raised a political question with which the Allied generals did not feel themselves empowered to deal. They therefore returned to Constantinople to consult their respective High Commissioners and the British Commissioner regarded the situation as being so serious that he decided to consult the Cabinet. It is understood that this new trouble did not arise from any difficulty with Greece. It is believed that M. Venizelos left London convinced that the Turkish occupation of Eastern Thrace after the peace conference, in accordance with the Allies’ Paris note was inevitable. The present situation is entirely due to the Turks’ intransigence in making demands which would result in their emerging from the war stronger both in Europe and in Asia Minor than before. Nevertheless Turkish double dealing was not altogether unexpected, and consequently authoritative circles do not take an over gloomy view of the developments. It is understood that the British Government may raise no serious objections to the inclusion of Russia, Georgia, and the Ukraine in the Peace Conference, but the French attitude is debatable. It is reported in official circles that M. Bouillon’s recall is likely. Lord Curzon’s journey to Paris is interpreted as an judication that the French representatives at Mudania are not in complete accord with the British. THE TURKISH DEMANDS DIVERGENCE OF BRITAIN AND FRANCE ROME, October 7. (Received October 8, 5.5 p.m.) The Angora Legation has been informed that while the French delegates at the Mudania Conference moved to accept all Kemal’s demands, the British opposed acceptance. The conference was suspended while particulars of the situation were cabled to London. THE CONFERENCE RESUMED. TURKS REFUSED PASSAGE THROUGH THRACE. SITUATION STILL STRAINED. CONSTANTINOPLE, October 7, (Received October 8. 5.5 p.m.) Kemal Pasha, in a speech in the Assembly prior to the Mudania Conference, said that although it was necessary to clear the country of enemies to the national frontiers, it was not the Government’s wish to use force. The Greek evacuation of Thrace must be effected quickly, however, in order to avoid danger to the Turkish population. Kemal repeated his desire for the freedom of the straits. • The conference at Mudania has resumed. The Allies refused to allow the Kemalist forces any passage through Thrace before the conclusion of peace. The situation remains strained. Kemal says he is going on a tour of the rc-conquercd territory, in the course of which he will meet Sir Charles Harington at Mudania. A SHORT SITTING. ISMET PASHA’S ATTITUDE SOFTENED. (Reuter’s Telegrams.) CONSTANTINOPLE, October 7. (Received October 8, 5.5 p.m.) A British communique states that the resumed sitting of the conference at Mu- 1 dania was short owing to the late arrival of the Allied generals. Ismet Pasha’s attitude has softened since he received the Angora Government's reply to the Allied note. The Turkish concentrations at Ismid arc increasing. The situation at Chanak remains stationary, the Turks withdrawing from contact with our troops. Ismet Pasha expressed pleasure at the despatch of three Allied commissions to Thrace as proof of their anxiety to protect Turkish persons and property. FRENCH VIEWS ON THE SITUATION. GREEKS BLAMED FOR BREAKDOWN. (Reuter’s Telegrams). LONDON, October 7. (Received October 8, 5.5 p.m.) In connection with the breakdown of the Mudania Conference, it is noteworthy that the French newspapers display a tendency to throw some blame on the Greeks. General Pelle telegraphed to the Quai d’Orsay depicting the attitude of the Greeks very unfavourably. He declares that the fear of trouble over Thrace is in no way without foundation. The Greeks have already burned some fifty villages in Thrace. According to the Matin the French Government has received advices that the Gjeek delegation refused to agree to any concession m regard to Thrace.

GRAVE VIEW IN DOWNING STREET’. UNITED FRONT ESSENTIAL. LONDON, October 7. (Received October 8, p.m.) The gravest view is taken of the Near Eastern crisis in Downing Street. Ministerial circles feel that a united front by Britain and France is essential against the Turks. The Daily Express states that the British Government decided not to o{>pose the Turks crossing the Bosphorus into Thrace. The British will hold Chanak and Gallipoli. GREECE UNWILLING TO MOVE. i ATHENS, October 6. A Government communique declares that , the nation’s wish to retain Thrace should be observed. Only rectification of the frontier will be allowed. It is officially stated that the Greek delegates at Mudania refused to agree to the withdrawal of the Greek troops from Thrace, BRITISH POLICY SPEECH BY MR ASQUITH. “CLIMAX OF CLUMSINESS AND INEPTHUDE.” LONDON. October 7. (Received October 8, 5.5 p.m.) Mr Asquith, addressing the Scottish Liberals, said he had supposed British diplomacy had reached the climax of clumsiness and ineptitude in the publication of the Balfour note, but that had been easily surpassed in all the qualities which such a document- ought not to possess by the communication from Downing Street appealing to the dominions, which sounded like notes of provocation and panic. It was issued without any intimation to the other Powers. .Ml this strident rhetoric, bugle-blowing, and flag-waving was wholly inexplicable unless the prospect, of war was well in sight. Had they been fighting Turkey to-day they would have been single-handed. Neither France nor Italy would have sacrificed a man or fired a gun. The freedom of tl>e straits was a matter of international importance in no sense exclusively or mainly British. MR BONAR LAW BREAKS SILENCE. REFUSAL TO APPORTION BLAME. A COMMON OBLIGATION. (Times Service.) LONDON, October 7. (Received October 8, 5.5 p.m.) Mr Bonar Law has at last broken silence regarding the Near East. Ln a letter to The Times he declines to apportion the blame for the events leading to the present, situation in the Near East, He considers it is probably true that the Briuish alleged pro-Greek sympathy alienated 1 Mussulman feeling in India and elsewhere, but if they had withdrawn from Asia and allowed the Turks to cross into Euro|>e it would have been regarded in India as a defeat of the British Empire. Nevertheless the burden should not fall on the Empire alone. The task was not specially a British interest but a humanity interest. The Empire should not show hostility or unfairness to the Turks, but Britaiu for financial and social reasons could not act. as the world's policeman. “We should tell France that the Near East is as much a part of the general peace settlement as Germany. If she is net prepared to support us in the Near East we had better imitate the Uuited States and restrict our attention to our own Imperial affairs. MIDDLE EAST ASSOCIATION'S VIEWS. LONDON, October 6. Lord Islington and several other influen- • tial members of the Near and Middle East I Association, in. a statement declare that, the 1 crisis in the Near East, is largely attributable I to Britain’s unwise Eastern policy during • the past three years. It should be made j clear to the Government that the nation | will refuse to support any war it believes j unnecessary and honourably avoidable. All ( questions outetaziding should be speedily j composed by negotiations based upon concerted action with the Allies. A policy of isolation and provocation should never have been assumed, and should be finally abandoned. This policy has entailed vast additional and quite unnecessary expenditure, and brought us to the very brink of war, the Issue of which, at home or abroad, none can forsee. Mr Asquith and Sir Donald Maclean addressed the Scottish Liberal Conference at Dumfries, which adopted a resolution that Britain’s foreign policy should aim at reconciliation with her late enemies, the establishment of friendly relations with all peoples and amendment of the so-caHed peace treaty to conform to these ends. Tffie conference also affirmed belief in the League of Nations as a safeguard against future wars and means of fostering international goodwill. “LLOYD GEORGE MUST GO.” OBSERVER. JOINS THE CHORUS. USEFULNESS EXHAUSTED FOR THE PRESENT. LONDON, October 7. (Received October 8, 5.5 p.m_) The Observer, which for several years has been one of Mr Lloyd George’s staunchest supporters, expressing intense admiration for his statesmanship and leadership, has joined the ciioruw of pajjers demanding his retirement owing to the muddled British policy in the Near East. The Observer says: “As far as the Near East is concerned the Government has irretrieveably lost the Great War. Secondly, the necessity for a fundamental change in the /‘ersonnel and system of our Government Is unanswerably proved. Thirdly, the moribund Coalition is dead. It has been killed by Kemal as surely as the sparrow killed cock robin. Fourthly, Mr Uoyd George’s {XNsition has become quite untentable with any credit, to himself or ;sdvantage to the country'. Mr Lloyd George was a great leader in war. We shall never forget it. If he can only make up his mind at last, though late to sacrifice office in order to regain his influence he will be a great leader once more in due time, perhaps sooner than is thought by most people. Now his stock is Jow, but for the present his public usefulness is exhausted. It is strange that so infinitely clever a man has made the old and stale mistake of so-many of his predecessors, by Lingering too long. If Jae endeavours to extend his tenure still more iziordinaiely he will find the ground cut from under his feet by a majority which is not now his own and now definitely means at no distant date to have another head. The main current of events at. home as abroad have passed beyond his control. The reasons for this anti-clunax are obvious. >\lone of living statesmen he hit- been seventeen years in office. Eight of these years have been equal to more than an ordinary generation of wear and tear. No mortal man could stand it and be as good as he was. Neither in insight for home and foreign politics nor in any kind of consecutive directing energy is he equal or anything like equal to the man he was at his besl. He is fundamentally fatigued in a way that makes tuen incajiable of really fresh thought, of vital insight, of steady concentrated application. The sooner he stands aside the more easily will the nation be able to extricate itself from its immediate difficulties, and the better chance there will be for his own future. There is no lack of alternatives, men, and alternative combinations.”