CONSTANTINOPLE’S FUTURE

Waikato Times, Volume 92, Issue 14254, 3 January 1920, Page 5

CONSTANTINOPLE’S FUTURE

POLITICAL POWER DOOMED. SULTAN’S FUTURE STATUS. RELIGIOUS STANDING UNIMPAIRED. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) Received January 2, 7.45 p.m. LOiNDON, January 1. It is authoritatively predicted that i the Allies are determ,nea to remove I the Ottoman Government to Asiatic : Turkey, thus freeing Europe of the I Sultan’s political power. An Allied Commission is to administer Constantinople, where the Sultan will be permitted to remain with full personal freedom in the capacity of supreme head of the Mussulman faith. While his functions are separated every care will be taken not to lessen the Sultan’s dignity as a religious authority. BRITISH PRINCIPLE ACCEPTED. TRANSFER OF OTTOMAN CAPITAL. 'Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) Received January 2, 5.5 p.m. PARIS, Deo. 31. The Matin’s London correspondent understands- that Ihe. question of principle has been settled regarding the future status of Constantinople and the straits leading -to the Black" Sea. The British Government’s, viewpoint has been accepted, and it appears certain that the Ottoman seat of Government will be transferred either to Broussa or Konia in Asia Minor, but the nature of the international regime in Constantinople is still under discussion. NOT FINALLY DECIDED. A PROVISIONAL AGREEMENT ONLY (Reuter.) ' (Received Jan. 2, 7.45 p.m.) LONDON, Jan. 1. No final decision has yet been reached regarding the future of Turkey. The general principles have been agreed on provisionally pending a final decision by the forthcoming Paris conference. The general idea at present favours Joint possession of the Straits and Constantinople. Everything possible will be done in settling the new Turkish capital to avoid offending the Moslem, susceptibilities.