NEAR EAST

Southland Times, Issue 18969, 16 June 1923, Page 5

NEAR EAST

CONSTANTINOPLE “DRY.” DECISION CAUSES CONSTERNATION. (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cablo Association). CANSTANTINOPLE, June 14. (Received June 15, 7.15 p.m.) Fcflowing on a series of postponements, the Governor announced that Constantinople would be dry from Friday. The decision caused consternation and it is doubted if the Turkish police will be able to enforce the decree. Many holders of stocks have not yet made the declarations demanded, but re-export will be allowed. A hundred establishments will remain open for Allied troops exclusively. The decision involves a loss of £500,000 to the Debt Commission, which the Turkish Government is bound to make up. THE OTTOMAN DEBT. PAYMENT IN GOLD. BEItIOUS SITUATION DEVELOPING. LAUSANNE, June 14. The situation has become grave. The Allies at a private meeting decided to adhere to their viewpoint in respect to the Ottoman debt payments. PARIS, June 14. Bond holders refuse to discuss any alteration of the present method of payment in gold. It was stated that the French Government had all along refused to grant the Soviet Government exactly what the Turks are now demanding. In view of the new step taken by M. Venizelos asking for the immediate conclusion of peace failing which Greece will endeavour to sign a separate treaty or pact of noniggreesion with Turkey. and so enable Greece to demobilise, the Allies have decided to make it clear to Ismet that interminable bargaining at Laiwamj/’ must cease.