THE NEAR EAST.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 November 1922, Page 2

THE NEAR EAST.

REUTER’S TELEGRAMS. STRAIGHT TALK TO TURKS. LONDON, Nov. 7. The “Daily Telegraph’s” Constantinople correspondent states the High ■Commissioners informed Hamid Bey that though a change in tile regime at Constantinople was an internal affair, in which the Allied powers did not wish to meddle, while occupation continued the Nationalist Administration must be controlled as hitherto. There could not be any change of the system, because the Allies were responsible for the maintenance of order, and must assure the safety of their troops. Hamid replied 1 hat he would transmit the views to the Foreign Minister.

Similar communications were addressed to Rafet Pasha, the Commissioner intimating that, his attitude was impossible. They said the Allies were in Constantinople by virtue of the Mudros Armistice, not as the result of the Mudania Convention. If the capital was to be administered by Nationalists they must conform to the existing control by police, gendarmerie, and troops. Arrests such its those, carried out by Kemal’s followers could not be tolerated.

ANGOR A NOTIFICATIONS. CONSTANTINOPLE, Nov. 6

The Angora authorities have notified the Allies of further encroachments on their authority. Bread will cost at least double the Angora price, as the result of the new tariff. There will also te a substantial increase in the order of prices. Angora also notified that a mixed court had been constituted under the capitulations that it must, cease to function. The International Sanitary Commission to which the Allies contribute, has been informed that the Angora Government has assumed control of the sanitary administration finally. Regulation's have been issued that no passports from Constantinople shall lie issued to Ottoman subjects without a Turkish police vise. This means that no Ottomas can leave the city without Angora’s permission. The . regulations are possibly designed to prevent an exodus of men available for military service fur the pro-Sultanites. Angora’s authorities arrested Kemal Bey ex-Minister and editor of the leading auti-Nationalist. paper, which ceased publication some time ago. The High Commissioners decided this is ’a form of tyranny which cannot be tolerated, "bile the Allies are responsible for law and order in Constantinople. The Alios have not yet -sent a reply to the other notifications, which relate to matters outside the scope of the High Commissioners, and must be reserved for consideration of their Governments.

TURKISH ARRESTS. CONSTANTINOPLE, Nov 7. The High Commissioners are taking steps to effect the release of Kemal Bev (ex-Minister of the Interior). Tlie Allies regard his arrest as a political persecution. It is reported that the Turkish Liberal Journalist, Ali Kemal was hanged at Ismid, after a crowd had half lynched him. THE SULTAN’S FEARS. Tlie Sultan when he visited General Harrington yesterday said u.s a Kharlist he was head of the whole Moslem world, and was therefore unwilling to accept the decision e;f the National Assembly. TURKISH 'DEMONSTRATIONS. CONSTANTINOPLE, Nov 7. Demonstrations in Asiatic quarters of Constantinople took a nasty turn yesterday, when the windows of Clinistinns houses were smashed and ■two British -oldiers were stabbed, necessitating the arrest of two Turkish police. Two British soldiers were also stabbed at Galata by demonstrators. shouting “Down with Britain, Franco ami the Allies.” LLOYD GEORGE’S WARNING. LONDON, Nov 7. Mr Lloyd George speaking at Newcastle , said the Eastern question was again showing signs of inflammation. It had to be handled carefully. A great conflagration had been prevented liv the admirable conduct of the British troops'under General Harrington. There would he no troops but for the late Government’s prompt action. AVe stood out against France or Italy, and we accepted responsibility. Now the Turk said we have got rid of that fellow, let tis look at the new Ministry, and lie came to the conclusion the time was opportune for another try r.n. If the Government, stand by the Flag we shall be whole-heartedly behind them. The only way to deal with the Oriental is to stand up to him. If the Government is not firm, war will break out in the Balkans and spread as it did in 1914. The new Government must wake up now. Sleepers are all right on the railways, but not in foreign polities.”

AGA KHAN’S VIEWS. PARIS, Nov 7

Aga Khan, writing in “Le Matin” says the elevation to the Khalifat is the result of an election, therefore the deposition is not revolutionary. It a Khalif, other than the oldest of the Ottoman Line is nominated, an election must he made by all the* nations of Islam.

A commission, composed, of highly placed Indian Moslems, is coming to Europe to ascertain the reasons for tile deposition. MOSLEAI OPINION. DELHI, Nov 7. Moslem opinion is very reserved about thu action ol Kemalist-s in depriving the Sultan of. temporary and and spiritual powers, hut from the panegvries on Kem.nl it seeiqis probable that efforts will he made to find excuses for accepting his action, as binding. One quarter suggests that a conference of representatives of the Moslem world should elect the Khalil, hut it is doubtful if this is practicable, or if the Kemalists would accept tho Conference.