GALLIPOLI GRAVES.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 16421, 23 April 1919, Page 2

GALLIPOLI GRAVES.

LAND TO BE VESTED. IN BRITISH GOVERNMENT.

By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright, (Received April 23, 9.20 a.m.) LONDON, April 22.

It is practically certain that the peace treaty with Turkey will include a clause ensuring British ownership and permanent care of the Gallipoli graves. This question has been consistently advocated at the sessions of the Imperial War Cabinet by Mr. Massey, who in Paris also had many interviews on the subject with Mr. Balfour, Lord Milner and the drafting experts. Tire clause now drafted provides that the ownership of certain land be transferred in perpetuity to the British Government in order 'that it may be set apart and l maintained as a cemetery and memorial for the soldiers who fell in the Gallipoli campaign. The Turkish Government must, within six months after the treaty operates, vest the exclusive title in the British Government, who will be entitled to transfer it to the Imperial Graves Commission or some other organisation will full rights to make improvements, the land to, he free from .any form of Turkish taxation and free access to bo given to British officials and any. persons desiring to visit the cemetery. Subject to these limitations Turkish sovereignty over the land will remain unimpaired, but the Ottoman Government will at all times prevent the violation of the rights and any desecration of the graves. _ Numerous meetings with the British. Empire delegation are now being held, dealing with peace treaty matters. — Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.