The Star. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1922 THE SHADOW OF WAR,

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16846, 23 September 1922, Page 8

The Star. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1922 THE SHADOW OF WAR,

The news regarding the Near East crisis is still rather confusing. The absence of official information makes it difficult to arrive at any conclusive estimate of the probabilities. It may be surmised, however, that the parties are looking for a basis for negotiations, and that in the meantime there is no inane_ diate danger of an outbreak of war The Kemalisfcs, naturally enough, are making the most of their victory, and they are putting forward some propositions which indicate that the Treaty of Sevres, already riddled by the Anatolia debacle, wilj have to be practically abandoned. They are demanding the old European frontier line, including the province of Thrace, which was carved up among Greece apd the Balkan States. They also want the return of Constantinople and the restoration of Turkish control of the Dardanelles and Bosphorous. It is significant that Turkey is being supported and Britain opposed by Russia, whose starving millions the British Empire has done more than any other nation to relieve. There has just been exposed a Russian plan to concert measures with the Angora Government to compel the Allies to recognise Russia as the intermediary on behalf of Turkey, thus forcing them to modify their refusal to recognise the Soviet Government. The Turkish Nationalists will probably accept help from any quarter, but their past experiences with Russia should make them suspicious of the Soviet’s disinterestedness. The possession of Constantinople is a dream which has persisted in Russia for many years, and the ambitions of the Czars may have descended to their not less autocratic successors. The Turkish Nationalists, co-operating with Russia, might expel the Allies, but they would then be faced with the problem of expelling Russia. The Angora Government is debating the question of peace, and there is considerable diversity in the nature of the counsel offered. A victorious army looking for more fields to conquer , is always a strong argument for war, and it. appears that the Army leaders are willing to risk a further conflict against more redoubtable foes. It is interesting to note that General Pelle, the French' Envoy at Constantinople, found the Turks at Angora in a most uncompromising frame of mind. The French encouraged Kemal Pasha in his campaign against the Greeks, and it is quite possible that they will be unable to restrain him now. The really hopeful aspect of the matter Is contained in the prospect that an inter-Allied conference will he held in Paris, when the whole question of the Near East will be considered. It is apparent that France desires to support Britain in regard to the neutral zone, but hopes at the same time that there will be no necessity to resort to force. The position is not easy, but it does not justify an entirely pessimistic outlook. The appeal to the League of Nations is timely one, and it may bring good, results bv showing that the Allies are ready to adopt a pacific and conciliatory attitude. There may not be the same response on the part of the Turks, as it takes two parties to make the agreement. There is, however, a fair prospect that the Turkish Nationalists will conclude that discretion is the better part of valour, and agree to meet in conference with the Allies.