TROOPS FOR THE STRAITS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16846, 23 September 1922, Page 10

TROOPS FOR THE STRAITS.

I FRANCE’S COOL OFFICES. By Telegraph—Pr« c ? Vspociation—Copyright United Service. (■Received September 23. 2.45 p.m.) LONDON, September 22. Despite the uncompromising talk by ‘some of Kemai’s adherents official circles decline, to believe that it represents Komars real intentions. Much ( is hoped from France's good offices to I restrain Kemal. at least until the ; Paris conference concludes. I The diplomatic writer in the “ Star " says that Lord Curzon was instructed to inform M. Poincare and Signor Sfor--7,-a that Britain was anxious to hold a conference at Smyrna or Angora if the Kemalists did not wish to come to Venice, but it is indispensable that the British condition regarding the Straits and the neutral zones shall not he disturbed. 'I he “ Star ” asserts that Turkey can ( expect a drastic revision of the Sevres ; Treaty in her favour, but it is time that she officially communicated her intentions to Paris. On the other hand, the British preparations continue with considerable activity. The War Office has chartered the Empress of India to transport the Second Grenadiers Battalion, and the Koval Fusiliers will follow almost immediately. Other movements of troops to the Straits are reported from Malta and Egypt. Such precautions were apparently considered necessary because any hopes based on Kemai’s reported moderation may be shattered by a subordinate firebrand or levies, some of which ore notoriously undisciplined. According to the Paris correspondent of the ‘‘Evening News” the French Cabinet regards these warlike preparations with disfavour. It'is even said that- the British policy is driving straight to war. and while France is making every effort to restrain Kemal she is hampered by Lord Curzon\s inability to indicate what ' concessions Britain is likely to offer.