CABLE NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 December 1922, Page 2

CABLE NEWS.

Lausanne Conference.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. SECRET DIPLOMACY. PLANNING OF THE AVAR. PARIS, Dec. 2. The paper “Le Afatin,” from its Athens correspondent, publishes a narrative showing the negotiations between the Greeks and British in connection with the Greek defeat in Anatolia. The paper publishes some remarkable documents, purporting to be despatches fjrnii M. Venizelos to the Greek For-J eign Office, covering Greek dealing witllf All- Lloyd George in 1920. Referring to the negotiations with Mr Lloyd George in 1920, “Le Matin” comments that the duplicity displayed in this secret history is revolting, when it is remembered that it was instigated by the author of the Versailles Treaty, .Air Lloyd George, with the assistance of a Greek .Minister, who was afflicted with megalomania. They conducted the Greek people to the disaster. This party had destroyed the Entente, and had divided Europe, and has brought on the war.”

The most important document is dated “London, June loth, 1920,” and is headed “Absolutely personal, to be de-' cided hv the Minister himself.” , Venizelos, in the despatch, says:— “Air jJoyd George informed me that it is impossible to count on Italy, which probably would be glad if the Treaty of Peace with Turkey were not executed.” “Le Matin's” story of the Vetiizelos despatches to the Greek Minister saysi “Air Llovd George said that At. Alillerand was sincere, but that French public opinion would object to sending a French Army to Turkey in order to impose conditions of peace.” Lloyd George is also shown as confronted by difficulties coming from his own Foreign Office and military circles, which still are inspired by the pro-Turk spirit of Disraeli. “Consequently,” wrote Jt. \ T enizelos, “Air Lloyd George asked me if Greece had the will to make the necessary military efforts to impose peace upon Turkey. Withoilt hesitation, I replied that Greece had the necessary force. Mr Lloyd George then asked me to convince him that the British General staff had over estimated the value of Turkish resistance.” M. Venizelos concluded: —“I hope to occupy in Turkey a place equal to the Great Powers, and to obtain the supervision of the Straits.” Other documents show that Air Churchill and Field Alarshall Wilson warned AT. \ r enizelos to carefully reckon up the Greek forces, in order that they should not assume a task which might he too heavy. M. A r enizelos also telegraphed tho ,Greek Foreign AHnister, after the Boulogne Conference, stating that he had" succeeded in getting Air Llovd George to adopt his proposals for dismembering Turkey, which would thus be reduced'to the plateau of Anatolia.

SCARING THE TURKS. . PARIS, Dec'. '£. “Le Matin’s” Lausanne correspondent reports that, in order to hasten the negotiations. Lord Ctirzdn suinhiolfed 1 biuet Pasha, and spoke to him if! tlie plainest possible terms. Ismet Pashst returned to his hotel greatly moved. The correspondent- adds that there has been some talk of adjourning the conference, hut* what is to he feared is a definite rupture. Probably the talk about the adjournment is intended to scare the Turks. EXCHANGE OF PEOPLE. LAUSANNE, December 1. The Territorial and Military Commission at the Conference has expressmission at the Conference has expressed a hope that Turko-Greek conflicts , in Asia Minor will he ended by tho acceptance of the principle of a wholesale exchange of the civil populations. The scheme provides for the transplanting of 1.600,000 Greeks from Asia Minor and of 350,000 Turks from Greece. . RUSSIA AND TURKS. LAUSANNE, December 1. ' In compliance with a Russian request, the Straits question has been adjourned by the Conference till ATonday. * COPENHAGEN, December 1. The Soviet has sent a Note to tho Angora Government, asking for an explanation why rebels ill the Caucasus are equipped with Turkish arms, thus inferring that Angora is encouraging a rising there. ITALIAN PROTEST. * LONDON, Dee 1. Advices from Rome state Mussolini informed Cabinet her would protest to Athens against the wholesale executions on purely humanitarian grounds. ITALIAN ACTION. ROME, Dee; 3. Premier Mussolini states the Italian Alinisters in Athens did everything possible to avert the executions of Gieck Ministers. He approached (> ncral Politis on November 4th. Franco, says Signor Alussolini, acted otherwise, and tin's divergent action has provoked tf.o tragic end of the trial. Signor Mussolini has ordered : 1.0 Italain representatives at Athens not to recognise the new Greek Government, and Italy reserves i.ie "iglit of recalling him according lo ciicLm,stances.