THE NEAR EAST.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 October 1922, Page 3

THE NEAR EAST.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. GABLE ASSOCIATION. A DENIAL. (Received this day at 10.30 a.in.) LONDON, October 11. Ojhe Foreign Office has sent a note to Russia iu reply to the note cabled on Octdber 2nd stating enqciiies show no commercial blockade of the Straits by British exists as alleged by Russia. A CRITICAL POSITION. (Received this dnv at 10.30 a.m.) LONDON. O.tober 11. The “Daily Telegraph’s” Const-nti-nople correspondent says the critical point in the military conventin is believed to lie the Turkish respect for neutral zones. A categorical acceptance whereof by Turkey will lie insised upon. The continued filtration of troops such as has been occurring during the last week endangers the position of the British forces. The exact limits of the zones as laid down by General Ha.-ririgton ire not known but prol ally will lie within the boundaries of tlm zones as proclaimed in 1921. CONTROL OF GAI LIPOLT. LONDON, Oct. 11. The Protocol nrovides that Onllinoli shall remain in the hands of the Allies pending a peace c nferouce decision. GREEK CABINET. ATHENS. Oct. 11. M. Znimis has now intimated his readiness to accept the Premiership.

GREEKS LEAVING. ATHENNS, Oct. II

The Greek del"gat»B at the Afundania Conference were instructed to accept the armistice conditions agreed oil at- Paris. The Greek consulate at Constantinople has issued over 30,000 passports to Greeks proceeding to Greece. FRENC-H OPINION. PARIS, Oct. 11. A writer in the “Petit Parisien.” referring to the demand for Hon Lloyd George’s retirement, says:—According fo the best iud-os of t'-e English political custom. Llovd George should have resigned in February or March at the close of the Geneva Conference, which was the turning point. The Russians were the chief cause < f his setback. At present lie is like a watrh wit's a hr k -n rot’tig. T 1 ere is, however, no certainty he will hearken- to the cry for his retirement. If he fell l o would cnlv tall for a while.