THE NEAR EAST.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 September 1922, Page 2

THE NEAR EAST.

4USTU.ILI.IN ANL) n.s. caulk association. A GREEK RO FT. , PARIS, Sept. 5. One hundred and fifty thousand Greeks are in full retreat abandoning arms and provisions. Tlie main force numbering one hundred and twenty thousand is falling illicit On Smyrna which is already crowded With thousands of refugees as the Greeks’ morale is ch'iii p lately broken and they are refusing to make another stand. Anxiety prevails rewarding the fate of a horde of undisciplined troops, ft is considered impossible that they can escape seawards before the Turks’ arrival. The only hope is armistice.

TURKISH ADVANCE. GREEK REPORTS. ‘Received this day at H. 50 a.ffi.) CONSTANTINOPLE, Sept. G Turks have reached Alashehr, eigbtythrec miles from Smyrna. I'lie Greek evacuation of Rrusa is confirmed. An Athens telegram asserts the Greek withdrawal continues only on the northern front, the southern army having concluded a withdrawal on a well fortified line from Alashehr southeastward. . , , . XtfWMpsllWra State the national bank is transferring all cash and documents from Smyrna to Athens. All Vetuzolist officers in Constantinople telegraphed to the Greek Government asking to he sent to the front. A Greek communique states the lurkisli offensive towards Akarong met with stubborn resistance. Our troops repulsed attacks and killed or wounded over ten thousand. We are conducting an orderly retirement, destroying communications. The enemy has not occupied Eskishcln', though the town lias been evacuated for five days. Massacres and persecutions of Christians in the evacuated districts continue.

WARSHIP ATI SMYRNA. (Received this day at 9.50 a.m.) LONDON, Sept. G. A British warship is at Smyrna tor tho evacuation of tho British population. „ , ~ ATHENS. Sept G. It is reported Government have decided to accept an invitation to a Near East Conference at Venice. Gournas and Strathos will attend.