The Hokitika Guardian TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19th, 1922. THE TURN OF EVENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 September 1922, Page 2

The Hokitika Guardian TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19th, 1922. THE TURN OF EVENTS.

The kaleidoscopic changes in the courso of European affairs during tlie aftermath of the rvar have had a remarkable sequence. There 1-ave been many disturbing changes resultant from the breakdown of conferences and the failure of nations to keep to their promises. The most dramatic change, however, has been the outcome of the Gree-co-Turkish war which by its decisive result has a distinct tendency to set the Near East aflame. British inter, gsto if! thaj quarter gre ;remendous, t

-Apart from the neeessiy for keeping the Dardanelles open and Turkey in check, there is the larger matter of keeping the Suez Canal, the highway to the | East where lie India and other Uri I ti-di possessions. To keep the Suez Canal, Egypt has to lie held. There is a • great nest of Mohammedan nations involved and to them all, the Turkish success has keen a matter for open rejoicing. British statecraft at this juncture was probably never more occupied for her most vital oversea interi ests are at stake. And in the turmoil ! of tin' newly created situation, it is clear (Ireat Britain has to look main- | lv to herself and oversea possessions for j the foice which is to impress her authority within the boundary of her own 1 territories. The entente with France is somewhat strained, and in any ease ; France might want to bargain fa'' her help. It is conceivable she will desire in exchange to have her own way with Germany in securing pa'incut of the capital sum she is demanding. Britain’s other European Allies arc not well I enough off to assist her in the event of a serious ccnllegration. The ally she might look to for the most material help will be Japan, which did s i much for British interests in the Pacific during the Great War. The present situation in regard to Turkey is that her defeat of the Greeks being so decisive she will ask for all the reparation sle can possibly obtain. So far the Allies are fairly firm that Turkey is not to reenter Europe, but the French pre-s iweak on the point, and the fav.vaMe comment’in that quarter is sure lo give encouragement fo the T"rks to, |-mss for the material comvsu ni, and "e might yet see the Allies themselves diI vided on the point. The value of V'o, secret understanding or treaty between France and Turkey will soon be revealed. but whatever it is. Britain has to maintain her prestige in the East, and the authorities at Home are looking well ahead already. It is possible war may break out. at any time The extent of this will dencud on the true French leanings. If they shot'll tu r ii out to lie pm-Turkish. the lurks will lie encouraged to go to the limit. They have nothing to lose and everything to gain. It is clear that already the Egyptians and Indians are disposed to lie pro-Turkish, mi that to hold those possessions and maintain anf'iiritv llritsiin must luivo Ikm* fullest force. The fact that an appeal lias been made to the oversea countries for military assistance shows the true significance of' the situation, and we may lie sure that preparations are proceeding at a feverish rate at all military depots. The war will be regrettable, terribly regrettable; but it is evident Britain’s direct interests are going to be s—onslv involved, and sympathy must not lie allowed to over-ride good sense which calls for preparedness for all possible eventualities at every Point