LONDON CONFERENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 26 February 1921, Page 2

LONDON CONFERENCE

CABLE NEWS.

BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSN., COPYRIGHT. AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. CLAIMS FOR SMYRNA \ AND THRACE. LONDON, February 24. The Supreme Council this afternoon heard Calogeropoules regarding ethnolological statistics of Smyrna and Thrace. Calogcropoules earnestly appealed to the Allies to finally settle tho eastern problem on the basis of Sevres Treaty. The Council then decided to invite the Turkish delegation to attend separately to-morrow. It is understood each will be asked if they are prepared to accept the result of the Allies investigations as regards Smyrna and Thrace, subject to the acceptance of the remaining terms of the Treaty of Sevres. GREEK ATTITUDE. LONDON, February 24. Following an official announcement, that the Supreme Council will see the Turkish delegations to-morrow, the “Central News” interviewed the Greek -

delegate who said Calogcropoules was utterly opposed Ho further investigations regarding the populations of the disputed territories. It looks as if an nusurmountable barrier has been reached. Much as we detest war, it appears it appears inevitable, for we shall not evacuate Smyrna. DISAPPOINTING RESULTS. LONDON, February 24. The proceedings at the Conference to-day have been very disappointing. The Greeks are convinced that the Turkish claims are beyond all reason. Greek statistics had been accepted at San Remo Conference, and no material change could have taken place during the last eighteen months.. Venizelos has gone to Paris and will not return during tho Conference.

TO. HOLD SMYRNA. LONDON, February 24. After submitting the Turkish case to tlie conference Bekir -Sand Bey declared there would be war so long as Smyrna is in foreign hands. The Greek delegates refuted Bekir’s contention. VON SIMON’S RETINUE. LONDON, February 24. Sixty experts accompany Von Simons as the German delegation. They are housed alongside the Turks.

TURKEY’S DEMANDS

LONDON, February 25.

While admitting the magnitude of Greece’s burden under the Sevres Treaty, and while doubting her capacity to deal with the Turkish Nationalist movement, the English newspapers say they regard the Turkish demands as preposterous if they are meant seriouslv.

Tlie “Morning Post” says: “We respectfully point to our Turkish friends that Turkey did not win the war. Marshal Allenby did not defeat the Turkish armies and their German mentors in order to talk of mutual reparation, nor, after all, the blood and treasure expended in order to safeguard the Dardanelles Straits would the British statesmen dare to place their guardianship again in uncertaip hands.” The “Daily Telegraph” says: “Turkey in the tone of a- victorious belligerent is reversing the Gladstonian. policy by requesting the Europeans to remove themselves out of Asia.”

These newspapers express doubts whether France or Italy desire to restore Turkish rule in Christian countries. GERMAN PEACE PROPOSALS. BERLIN, February 25. Dr Simon (Finance Minister) in his final speech before leaving for London stated that the exjierts had not yet reached an agreement as to the counter proposals, but had submitted a plan for paying Germany’s opppnents, whil e keeping within the bounds of practicabiltiy. He added that the French newspapers declare that there will not be any question at London of altering the Paris - decisions. “In thatjgase,” he said, “AVe shall go in vain/’ He concluded by appealing to the nation not to budge, and he said: — ‘“Ytju may be assured that we shall stand firm.”

TURKS AND GREEKS. (Received This Day at 8.30 a.m.) LONDON, February '’s. A communique states the Turks were asked for their views on the proposal to create a commission to decide the fate of Smyrna-and Thrace, whose decision should be accepted by Greec and Turkey. Tewfik deputed Sami to speak on behalf of the delegations. Sami thanked the Supreme Council for rdmitting the claims of the Turkish delegation. * Hon. Lloyd George intervened, remarking that no claims were admitted, Sami replied that the Turks are confident of the justice of their claims. They regarded the creation of the Commision 0s tantamount to their being admitted. The Turks were pressed to say definitely whether, on accepting the Commission, they would not raise other points than the questions of Armenia and Kurdistan. Sami obtained permission to consult his colleagues before replying. ■ Calogcropolulos could not give i definite answer until lie received his Government's reply. CONFERENCE CONDITION.

.Revived This Day at 9.45 a.m.) LONDON, Febfuary _ 25. The Conference added a condition to the, acceptance of the Smyrna-Tlirace commission, that Turks and Greeks should immediately cease hostilities with the exchange of prisoners.