THE NEAR EAST.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 November 1922, Page 2

THE NEAR EAST.

lIEOTER’B TELEGRAMS. FRENCH OPINION. v PARIS, Nov 10. f M. Pertinax, writing in the “Echo de Paris,” says it is desirable to know fj whether France, by agreeing with Britain on action in J-cvant, can induce Britain to agree with France’s i i-life to take direct action in regard u: Germany. The “Petit Parisien” says v. bile situation at Constantinople i, KUitiojp&M ary llafet Pasha is optimistic. Britisu in a i ino.-s and infantry marched through Vera and Galatea with tisel bayonets, and were cheered by tbo Christina population. CABINET SECRECY." ‘ .. LONDON, Nov 10. Cabinet lias reverted to the old policy of absolute secrecy, - regarding its deliberations, but it is understood it considered a despatch from General Har- V rington, and also the War and AiF> ' Departments reports regarding the Near East situation. If the Turks' do not concede the Allied demands, the High Command are empowered to declare a. state of siege in Constantinople, whic his a step beyond martial law. It is believed the position is still serious. A PRELIMINARY. PARIS, Nov. 10. Lord Hardinge requested that a preliminary Conference be held in Paris before Lausanne, between M. Poincare, Signor Mussolini and Lord Curzon. France is agreeable if Lausanne is not postponed later than the 15th. FRENCH DISAPPOINTMENT. ’ PARTS, Nov. 10. _ The rank ingratitude of the Turks is ' bitterly felt in France, which resents the special hostility in which the French are apparently held. This is indicated by the closing of thirty-five French silk factories at Brusa, the seizure of the Mudania-Brusa railway, and imprisonment of directors. The change in the situation is reflected in the reports of Pelle and Charpy. These, formerly conciliatory, now advocate firmness.

CRITICAL POSITION. ATHENS, Nov IL>' General. Hariugton in a despatch, to the British Cabinet, has revealed the Turkish situation as now being critical. LONDON, Nov 11. Official circles in London admit that the anxiety over Turkey is hot yet allayed. All the available Ministers are v standing by in London during the ' v week-end. The “Evening Standard” says the Turks have net defined their intentions. ' It is feared that the Turks are concentrating their forces for a coup. FOCH’S PLAN OF ACTION. PARIS, Nov 11. Marshal Foch has outlined to Pre- ’ mier Poincare a scheme for an Allied defence of Constantinople, in the event of any Turkish attacks and uprising. Tins scheme is' being submitted to Great Britain and Italy immediately. The “Echo de Paris” reports the Angora Assembly has thrown over a compromise which had reconciled the Nationalists’ aims with the Allied occupation of Constantinople. ITALIAN TROOPS GO EAST. ROIME, Nov 11. The “Giornale d’ltalia” announces - that 350 Italian troops, with machine guns have gone to the Near Eastaboard the destroyer Perniuda.

AN ALLIES’ THREAT. CONSTANTINOPLE, Nov 10. The Allied High Commissioners have handed a new Note to the Angora Government’s representative here, demanding the repeal of all Turkish ' measures in regard to the Customs, the public debt, and the sanitary and other services which conflict with the Capitulations, and with any stipulations in the Mudros armistice. Otherwise, they state, they will be compelled to refer to their governments —* for necessary action. The High Commissioners have presented another Note to the Kemalist representative, protesting against the political murder of a Turkish Liberal journalist, Ali Kemal, whom the; Kemalists hanged, and which they say __ they are bringing to the knowledge of their Governments. It is confirmed that- a British soldier was murdered at Kassim Pasha, a suburb yesterday. PEACE DELAYED. LONDON, Nov 11. ' Ismefc Pasha- has complained' to General Harington in regard to the constant adjournments of the Peace Conference', which, he said, lias created avery difficult situation. TURK DELEGATES. LONDON, Nov 10. ismet Pasha, Hamid Bey, the Asgora repersentatives at Constantinople; -r ~ and the Turkish experts are leaving to-morrow for - Lausanne, in order -to place on record their presence there oil the date fixed.