THE NEAR EAST.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 May 1923, Page 5

THE NEAR EAST.

THE KEMALIST PARTY. / HOPES'FOR PEACE.* By Telegraph.—Press" Assn.—Copyright. * * Athens, April 29. t General Cladas has returned after being prisoner in Turkey He declares that the Kemalist army ie in a lamentable state, miserably equipped and poorly nourished. The ’Turks arc anxious for peace. The war party in the last Angora Assembly only numbered sixty. The dissolution was primarily due to Kemal’s desire to paralyse the war party’s efforts. ' General Cladas states that Kemal is confident the electors will vote for peace. The Soviet is assisting the Turkish army with foodstuffs via the Caucasus. CONFIDENCE IN CONFERENCE. Paris, April <5O. General Pelle. interviewed by the Matin, expressed confidence in the successful conclusion of the ’Lausanne Conference. Ismet repeatedly desired to see Franco-Turkish misunderstanding* dispelled. Unfortunately Kemal’s views were different, but Genera] Pelle did not believe his threatening gestures and references to France need cause un ■ easiness. He was convinced Angora was aware of the hazards involved in the resumption of hostilities. TURKS RAID BANK. London, April 30. The Athens correspondent pf th”Daily * Express states that the Turks seized the contents of tho. strong boxes belonging to Greek clients of th'i Orient Bank in Smyrna. Tt is believed they intend to do the same at other banks. It is officially stated that if the Turks seize all the Greeks’ deposits, aggregating two and a-lialf millions sterling, Greece will regard it as an act of war. ‘