THE NEAR EAST.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16902, 29 November 1922, Page 4

THE NEAR EAST.

A RUSSIAN THREAT. MAY LEAVE CONFERENCE. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LAUSANNE, November 27. It is reported that, the Russian delegates have intimated their intention of leaving the Conference unless they are admitted to all its sittings. AMERICA’S POSITION. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. NEW’ YORK, November 27. The “ New York Times ” Washington correspondent states that White House, desiring to point out the reason for Mr Childs’s speech at Lausanne, which is reported to have antagonised the French, has indicated that the address was merely an elucidation of Mr Hughes’s Note, which was cabled on October 2, and was designed to again emphasise the American position in the Near East before any decisions might be made that would conflict with, the United States attitude. The United States is not seeking benefit in the Near East, without assuming responsibilities. America does not intend to become engaged in purely territorial and political settlements there, but would make a firm diplomatic fight to defend its rights, such as were guaranteed under + he treaties and capitulations before the outbreak of war. The United States feels that it is inconceivable that the Allies will*not consider American rights in view of the United States contributions to victory. Mr C- E. Hughes, American Secretary of State, icplying to an appeal by Bishop Gannon, of Virginia, who was in Paris in October, after making a personal investigation of the situation in the Near East, that the United States should use armed force to help the Allied nations to settle tlie Near East problem, said: “We have done all that is possible to relieve refugees, and have also exerted an influence i against cruelty and oppression. We are keenly alive to every humanitarian ! interest. The United States has not | failed in any way to make the sentij ment of the American people underj stood, and to take every appropriate j action. We have taken measures to protect American interests. The Government is not authorised to go beyoud this. There has been no action on tho part of Congress to justify an attempt to uso aimed forces to pacify the Near East, nor to accomplish the results desired concerning the inhabitants of Asia Minor.”