WAR IN ASIA MINOR

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 223, 15 June 1921, Page 5

WAR IN ASIA MINOR

BRITAIN MAINTAINING STRICT NEUTRALITY EMBARGO ON EXPORT OF MUNITIONS POLICY DISCUSSED BY CABINET By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, June 13. The Australian Press Agency understands that there has been no departure from Britain’s policy of strict neutrality in regard to the Turco-Greek war. Britain took up this attitude in conjunction with France and Italy when the Greeks, without the consent of the Allies launch, ed the January offensive. Britain has gone the length of placing an embargo on the export of munitions for which Greece had let large contracts in Britain. Cabinet has several times recently discussed the advisability of departing from neutrality owing to the recent Turkish outrages against British subjects and owing to the failure to liberate prisoners in accordance -with agreement. Cabinet has hitherto reached no decision on the point, as it is necessarily hesitant to take military action which would be unpopular owing to the country’s depleted exchequer. The chief motive of any action would be punishment of the Turke, arid not to support the Greeks, though the latter may be the only instrument available A further cause of hesitancy is the military weakness of the Greeks under the new regime, '’"which is largely due to suppression of the most able of the Venizelist officers. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ANNOUNCEMENT BY JR. CHAMBERLAIN BRITAIN NOT COMMITTED TO HELP GREEKS. (Rec. June 14, 7.30 p.m.) London, June 13. In the House of Commons Mr. Chamberlain announced that the Government’s attitude in the Near East would be one of strictest neutrality. Britain was not committed to help the Greeks.—United Service. STORMY SCENE IN ANGORA PARLIAMENT DEPUTIES EXCHANGE SHOTS. (Rec. June 14, 5.5 p.m.) Constantinople, June 13. There was a stormy scene in the Angora Parliament during a debate on the Kemalists’ attitude towards Britain, deputies exchanging shots. Mustapha Kemal threatened to Resign.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.