The Near East.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 September 1922, Page 3

The Near East.

AUSTRALIAN AND JI.Z, CABLE ASSOCIATION GREEK PROP AG AN GISTS. LONDON, Aug. 30. The Greek authorities in London are busy with propaganda. They claim that the Turks are greatly exaggerating the result of the recent battle. They admit that the two principal wings of the 'Greek Army have no longer direct railway communication. It is stated they remain, however, in contact with each other. Recalling tho claim that the Greeks had occupied Smyrna by the j Allies’ instructions, the Greek authorities insist that their forces arc retained in Asm Minor because they arc the sole protectors of the Christian population. The Greeks declare that ii _ their troops are withdrawn, tlv Christians will he left to a tcrrihl? late, because the Allied Powers do not provide alternative protection. The Greeks decl.ue tho Turks are using French arms.

GREEK WOUNDED. LONDON. An". 30. Several hundred Greek wounded troops have arrived at Smyrna from the interior, where the fighting is on. The “Times” states that Cairo reports show that a wireless from Constantinople savs:—‘The Turkish Nationalist offensive appears to have been planned with an eye to coming to a peace conference at Vienna, in a hone that the Turks would he able to say : “We can expel the Greeks from Asia Minor if left alone.” The tone of the latest Greek communiques is not optimistic, especially in reference to the unexpected artillery strength of the Turk Nationalists.' who are known to have received large supplies of munitions, numerous nircra.., and other.equipment from France during .the last three months.

GENERAL TOWNSEND. LONDON. Aug. 30. General Townsend interviewed by the “Dnilv E.vor-s,”. smd “M«sYipha Kc trial's offensive against the Greeks could have been expected, aftci Air Lloyd George's recent ..car Las, sp-ech. That speech killed all hoi; of ■nonce. It was to try to stop war t'-nt T saw Kemal. Ido not think that the British Government him nnv utea o the fighting value of Kemai s arm;,. Their morale is wonderful, -* hoy are as united and determined as one man, and possess plenty of ammunition together with the guns and rifles tins used in the Great War. ? I,e,r " r^ factory at Angora is having replaced all the'breachbloeks surrendered to the Allies at the time of Die rrmistiee. Turkish artisans, us the result of German tuition, during the late war, arc now making breach blocks out ot ioqo motive wheels. They are adopting Russian projectiles to Turkis . g ns. Britain and France mu ? t ol neccsmty, march together as' regards, the Ncai East. So long as France is pro-Tui k and Britain is pro-Greek, we eanno ho]K! for peace.” GRFECO-TURKISH WAR. LONDON. August 31. A Greek commiiiquc declares the Turkish Komalists are using French artillery, and have an. abundance of munitions.

TURKO-GREEK WAR. hedteh’s teukotiams. > (Received this day at 8 a.m.) PARIS, Aug. 31. Advices from Angora state a jubilant communique claims the Turks are ndeverywhere, capturing prisoners. The Greeks are fleeing, abandoning great quantities of material. An' unconfirmed telegram reports Turks occupied Eskisheki. On the contrary, nn Athens sminofficial says the evacuation of Afiun Karahissar was earned out in perieet order, all material being withdrawn to a new line from which the Greek nrtillerv dominates the town.