THE NEAR EAST.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16908, 6 December 1922, Page 5

THE NEAR EAST.

LORD CURZON SURPRISED. By Telegraph—J?r*» Asßoonitioiij—Copyright Australian and X.Z. Cable Aaeooiation. LAUSANNE. December 5. Lord Ourzon, in his speech, said ha was much surprised that the Turks add declined t-o give a, complete ex position of their views. It was remarkable that a. ijrogramnae should be proposed by the Russians. AI. Tohitcberin, who represented Russia, Ukraine and Georgia, might as well represent Turkey. Could the Conference conclude that lssnet Pasha had accepted the Russian view as a complete exposition of the Turkish viewpoint? A long and impressive pause follow ed. ami a pin could have been heard dropping. Ismet Pasha, after consulting his own and the Russian delegations. asked that the other Powers, offer suggestions. Russia's suggestions most nearly coincided with Turkey’s view, but the Bulgarians did cot oppose the same. Lord Curzon emphasised the fact that Isinet Pasha was trifling with th\ Conference, which had worked harmoniously for a fortnight, and wa,*. now at a most important point. Was Turkey unable or unwilling, be asked, to give her own full views That was not treating the Conference with proper respect. He regretted the impres sion. created, and proposed the adjournment of the Commission. AI. Tchitoherin thought it- would be. advantageous ij Britain. France and Italy advanced their views. It was strange to ask the Balkan delegate- co speak while the big Powers remained silent. The Commission adjourned with a bad impression. Lord Curzon advised the Turks to meet the inviting Powers to re-exam-ine the situation.

THE BALKAN VIEW. by 'l eJegraph—Prose Association—Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LAUSANNE, December 4. In the discussion on the Straits question, Rumania declared for the freedom of the Straits.’ It wus not her policy to put u key in the pocket, o-' one Power,>but there should bo a regime operating in the interest of all the Powers. M. Duca, the Rumanian delegate, therefore .proposed a demilitarised coast line and the establishment of an international commission to preserve the freedom of the Btraits. Rumania would show her bona fides by proposing disarmament in the Black Sea. M. Stambouliskv urged the necessity for freedom of traffic. AI. Venizelos said lie would await tho Turkish views before presenting the Greeks’ programme, but he said be was willing to accept an international commission.

RUSSIAN REPLY. TCHITCHERIN INTERVIEWED. LAUSANNE, December 4. AI. Tchitcherin, interviewed by journalists. replied to Lord Ourzon’s conference speech. He stated : “ Jf. as Lord Curzon said, I represent Turkey as well as Russia. Georgia and Ukraine. I also represent Britain, for the. idea-ls set forth by me are those which the British Government always defended up to 1918 with the greatest energy.” He made it dear that Russia would accept an international commission of control of the Straits, providing it was purely technical, and similar to the Daniibian Commission.