THE NEAR EAST.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 November 1922, Page 2

THE NEAR EAST.

BEUTKIt’S TELEGRAMS. TURKS CONFIDENT. CONSTANTINOPLE, Nov. 2. Ismet Pasha, Turkish Foreign Minister. addressing the Asscmbjy at Angora, said: Tiie Turkish Army would have defeated any other which was opposed to it. Our Army’s greatest quality is that it is used as a factor in pence, which is proved by its halt at tiie front of the Straits, though unopposed. If von arc convinced that, for the establishment of peace, it is necessary our army should again advance, we will obtain, in a still briefer time, greater victories than we obtained against the Greeks in six weeks.

Reports from Adrianople state that armed Kemalists killed ji number of French soldiers. Greek soldiers assisted the Ferncli. SULTAN AND KEMALISTS.

CONSTANTINOPLE, Nov. 1

Official circles declare the Sultan will recognise the Keinalis'l delegation to the Lausanne Peace Conference. U.S.A. ATTITUDE. WASHINGTON, Oct. 31

The State Department announced that a Note has been transmitted to Britain. France and Italy, replying to the Allied invitation to the United States to participate in the Near East conference. The Note declares that the conference will primarily deal with problems resulting from the war between the Allies and Turkey and Greece. The United States did not declare war on Turkey mud does not desire In participate in the final peace negotiations, or assume responsibility, for adjustments of the Near East problems.'

In order to safeguard American interests and facilitate exchange of views, the United States is prepared to send observers for the purpose ol indicating to th (-conference the United States’ position in detail. The United States does not regard its interests were entitled to less consideration than those of the other Powers, nor is disposer! to relinquish lv r common rights or proper commercial opportunity. America is particularly interested in appropriate undertakings regarding the freedom of opportunity without discrimination of special privileges for commercial entc’prise; secondly, suitable provision for the protection of minorities ; thirdly, assurances touching the freedom of the Dardanelles. ft. is not felt that the arrangements previously made concerning the Turkish territory which provide for the establishment of zones of spociiVl commercial and economic influence, such as the tripartite agreement of 1920, are consonant with the principle of equality of economic opportunity. It is assumed th.at tho Allies will not- make i ifect ivo the previous agreements of this nature. The United States does not seek for itself or nationals any special privileges, but desires to protect its rights and assure an open door in the Near East.