TURKISH CRISIS

Southland Times, Issue 19757, 3 February 1923, Page 5

TURKISH CRISIS

FRANCE AND BRITAIN. ENTENTE. IN DANGER. (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) PARIS, February 1. Le Matin says it was at Britain’s request that M. Poincare defined what would be France’s attitude in the event of the Conference failing. France has not the least idea of seeking a quarrel.with England, but cannot be drawn into extensive trouble with Turkey and eventually with Russia on of Mosul petrol, while Lord Curzon cannot induce his Cabinet to support the French reparation policy. THE ENTENTE SICK. PARIS, February 1. A writer in the Paris Midi declares regarding the Lausanne deadlock that the French view is shortsighted when it is considered that the unfortunate Entente is already so sick that it can hardly survive this latest blow. The Petit Parisien asks point, blank if this means the end of the Entente, and if it is wise to make an enemy of England when France is in such a critical position in the Ruhr. THE “SUPREME FAULT.” CRITICISM OF FRENCH NOTE. PARIS, February 1. An important section of the press does nor support France’s attitude at Lausanne, though Le Temps attempts to argue that the Allies wartime undertaking not to make separate peace does not apply, because the Greco-Turkish war in Asia Minor is a separate conflict from the Great War. If one of the Allies finds it well to maintain, despite France, one or two conditions which Turkey refuses to accept, it would be absurd to say the declaration of September, 1914, would force either of the Powers to leave the conference and give up peace they are ready to sign. The Journal des Debats calls the French note the “supreme fault.” TURKEY GLEEFUL. EFFECT OF FRENCH NOTE. THE ISOLATION OF ENGLAND. CONSTANTINOPLE, February 1. The French proposal to continue negotiations was received with great satisfaction in Turkish official circles, where it is regarded as proof that the Allied front at Lausanne has been broken. It is confidently expected that England will thus be isoKed and will be forced to concede to the Turkish demands. . Speeches at the secret session of the National Assembly at Angora were warlike in tone. The Chief Commissioner said: ’Let us remember what we did at Afiumkarahissar we are ready to do again to preserve our independence if the Allies refuse our just demands.” Kemal in a speech at Smyrna said: “We will not rest until we have obtained ind£-/ pendence.” ATHENS, February 1. It is reported that the French troops are preparing to evacuate Constantinople in the event of an Anglo-Turkish conflict. It is understood Greece is conducting conversations with the Little Entente regarding a possible renewal of hostilities. RUSSIA REFUSES TO SIGN. LAUSANNE, February 2. At a meeting of the Straits Commission Ismbet asked for maintenance of a garrison on Gallipoli and an unlimited force in Thrace. M. Tchitcherin declared that Russia could not accept the convention, and desired to suggest modifications and proposes new concessions to the Soviet. Lord Curzon said the Allies could not reconsider the position. M. Tchitcherin declared that the question of the Dardanelles remained open as far as he was concerned, for he refused to sign the convention.