CABLE NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 October 1922, Page 2

CABLE NEWS.

THE NEAR EAST.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. this suggested conference. PARIS, Got, 1. In obtaining the Turkish consent to a conference at Mutlania, “ Quai d’Orsay ” indicates that M. Bouillon succeeded in calming the fears respecting British reinforcements and Greek intentions in Thrace. He did not accompany Kenial to Angora, but, as a result of conversations at Smyrna, Kemal agreed to send to the conference Ismit Pasha. General Harrington is believed to have agreed to this course. Other representatives, if the conference takes place, will be:—France, General Chapry; Italy, General Nornbelli. Greece may be represented later, but the approbation of the Allied Governments is understood to be necessary. The proposals, which were warmly supported by France and Italy, have been forwarded to London.

RUSSIA’S POSITION. BERLIN, Sep. 30. M. Litvinoff declared, in an interview, that the Soviet were anxious to avert war in the Near East, and will use its influence to that end, but a conflict can only he averted if Russia’s Black Sea. States are allowed to participate in the peace settlement. Complete solidarity on this point exists between Moscow, Khnrkoff and Angora. The Soviet Military Council is carrying out plans for military co-operation with Kemal. The details are being hurriedly worked out. The entire Second Division of the Don Basin have arrived at Tiflis on sth, a cavalry division from Minsk on 24th. A division of Nijni Novgorod and the Seventeenth Division from Kursk are hurriedly moving to the Caucasus, where Kameneff and Lebedeff are preparing to transport troops to the East. The Moscow government on 25th instructed its representative at Angora to bring pressure upon Kemal in order to prevent him giving in to the British demands, also promising him military and financial assistance.

CABINET SITTINGS. LONDON, October 1

Despite anxiety due to Cabinet sitting throughout Sunday and only adjourning late in the afternoon. the Near Eastern position took a marked turn for the better. M. Venizelos who visited the Foreign Office has not yet seen Lord Curfeon, but will do so tomorrow. He seems determined to assist tlie new Greek region, at any rate to the extent of advising upon the foreign policy.

REASSURING M KSSAGE. LONDON, October 1

The latest messages from General Harrington are also reassuring though not published yet, it is stated they indicate immediate danger is easier and the conference on Tuesday should be able to settle the problem of the neutral zone especially as the Bcvillon reports that Kemal is conciliatory. Bouillon has gone to Constantinople to advise Harrington regarding Kemal’s attitude.

MOVE BY TURKS. CONSTANTINOPLE. Oot. 1. Turks have occupied several islands oil the Asia Minor Coast.

KEMAL’S DESIRES. PARIS, October 2. A correspondent of “La Figaro” has interviewed Keinal, who declared that he would continue his efforts until all the Turkish territory has 'been liberated. including Constantinople Thrace, Anatolia, Mosul and half of Mesopotamia. Asked if he did not fear a conflict with the British, Kemal replied that lie is not fighting the British, hut the Greeks.

Kemal said he could proceed to Thrace via Scutari and the Black Sea, as he has sufficient transports to land his best troops in Thrace in twentyfour hours. He said these were only awaiting orders. The Sultan is an unimportant puppet. Other reports declare that Kemal accepted a. Soviet offer of all necessary sea transport for his troops across the Straits, which would he conveyed by a route avoiding the neutral zone, and the British Fleet.

MR. DONOHUE’S VIEWS. KEMAL WILL DEMAND GREEK EVACUATION. LONDON, October 2. The “Daily Chronicle’s” cefrrespondent, Mr Martin Donohue, at Constantinople, says: The Kenialist- circles are following with deep interest the overthrow of Constantine. _ The Turkish National newspapers are unable to conceal their uneasiness. They fear that the dilatory tactics of Kemal may end in his losing the temporary advantage which resulted from his victories in Anatolia. The Kemalists consider the coming back of Venizelos forebodes no good to their cause. For one thing, the Powers make a paper offer of Thrace to Turkey, but will they expel the Greeks? I learn that Kemal will assuredly demand that the Allies enforce the Greek evacuation as tho preliminary condition to a peace Conference. Irregular bands of Turks are now operating in Thrace, on the plea of protecting the oppressed Moslems there; so the public may expect to hear of the usual outrage and counter outrage.

MUDANIA CONFERENCE. LONDON, Oct 2. The Mudnnia Conference will consider:—Firstly, tho ga u ran tees regarding neutralities; secondly, the demarcation of Eastern Thrace, presumably the Martiza Valley line; thirdly, the temporary administration of Thrace, which probably will he divided into sectors undclr British, French arid Itnian officials. TURKS OBJECT TO GREEKS. PARIS, Oot 1. Angora has sent a despatch, which was signed by Hamid Bey (Foreign Minister) It states that the formal Turkish reply to the Allied Note will he sent in a- few days. Turkey’s decision to cease military operations has been influenced by M. Bouillon’s assurances. The despatch points out that- the Greek occupation of Thrace for one day longer than could possibly be end. ed, constitutes a cause of danger and suffering, General Is met Pasha represents An. gorn ;it the Mndnnlnn conference,

CONFERENCE OF GENERALS. LONDON, Oct 1. • A Constantinople telegram states: As a result of M. Bouillon, the French representative, having an interview with Kemal, it is proposed to hold a conference of Generals on Oct 3. to fix military arnrngements, pending a diplomatic conference, to settle peace. All the troops will immediately he confined to positions they at present occupy, and Generals at Mudania will arrange conditions for the evacuation * of the neutral zones in Chanak and Thrace. * The Turkish authorities hope that if the Mudania- conference is successful, a. peace conference will be held on October 15th. * The “Daily Express” correspondeim at Constnnjtinople reports: Hamid Bey states that the cessation of opera- ■ tions will he unconditional.

french fears. LONDON, Oct 1. The “Morning Post’s” Paris correspondent, discussing the Near East, says: The highest political authority declares that, whatever the result of the negotiations with the Kemalists, the situation in Thrace causes anxiety. France did not believe the Greeks would defend- that territory ' against , the Turks, but she.-thought that compelled to evacuate the Greeks would set fire to the country, when it would be impossible to prevent Kemal crossing the Straits.

TURKS ATTITUDE. PARIS, October 2.

It is officially announced that the Angora Government has informed M. Poincaire (French Premier) that it has ordered the immediate cessation of military operations towards Constantinople and Chanak area. The Angora Government, at the same time, demands the immediate Greek evacuation of Thrace from Maritza to Adrianople line.

A NEUTRAL ZONE INCIDENT. LONDON, October 1. Jllr Ward Price from Chanak, supplies an incident illustrating the strained position of affairs in one of the most remarkable situations in military history. The Third Hussars actualy engaged Turkish cavalry in a thrilling race for the possession of the important ridge ICepliez. The officers parleyed with the Turks, who demand- , ed the-ridge, but the British refused ® to withdraw. All night long the parties were vis a vis and most vigilant. At dawn, the Turks retired to the valley. The Kemalists’ policy of peaceful penetration brought them up against the British wire.

U.S.A. ATTITUDE. October 1. A statement by Senator Lodge in the Republican Party’s campaign book just published, lias disclosed the U.S. A. Administration’s policy towards Turkey. Senator Lodge says: The administration has provided an American representation on the commission that is to investigate hideous conditions created l>v the Turks in Asia Minor. The commission, which consists of Britain, France, Italy and the United States, is the beginning of a serious effort to end the Turkish outrages. SMYRNA REFUGEES. CONSTANTINOPLE, Oct. 2. A total of 177,000 refugees have been evacuated from Smyrna.

ADVICE TO VOLUNTEERS. LONDON, October 1. The British War Office lias received large numbers of offers for service overseas. -from -c#«i3KWPrs ~ail(i 'TSJSKm-it© officers. It is announced the above are not needed at present. They will be called on later, if required.

FRENCH PRESS VIEWS. PARIS, Oct. 2. The receipt of the Angora Note coincides with a striking change in the view of. the French press, which is alarmed by the Turkish obstinacy in remaining in the neutral zone. The majority of the papers warn the Turks that there is a limit beyond which Turkey must not proceed. Most of the papers urge Britain to withdraw from Clianak, stressing-- the point that if Britain decides on force, she must act alone. “ la* Petit Parisien ” states The first point we should make clear is that France will not go back on her engagements, particularly those contained in the A]lied Note to the Turks on September 23rd. The paper also refers to profound emotion being felt in England and the Dominions in the present crisis. It states the British, who are the faithful Allies of France, will say: “ If the Turks force us to declare war, will you forget what we did in 1914? ”

“ Le Petit Parisien ” concludes that the whole future of Anglo-French, relations is at stake.

“ Le Temps ” declares that Paris and Rome are as strongly resolved as London that the neutrality conditions must he fulfilled. “ Les Journal des Debats” states: If the Turks think that they can talk as masters of Europe they deceive themselves. If they are allowed to send troops to Thrace, massacres and burnings are inevitable. It is folly to wait till the Angora Government puts itself into accord with Moscow before taking indispensible measures. The military critic, Commandant Civrieux,' estimates that the Turks number 200,000. The British now number 30,000. He considers that the Bosphorous is Kemal’s main obj’ective, the Clianak manoeuvres lieing only a _ demonstration.

FRANCE AND ITALY, (Received this dav at S.-80 a.in.) PARIS, Oct 2. M. Poincare has communicated tho Angora Note to Great Britain. Italy urges the‘acceptability of the Turkish demands. LOAN FOR GREECE. (Received this dav at 8.30 a.m.t ATHENS, Oet 2. An English group offered Greece a loan of eighty-five thousand sterling.