Lausanne Conference.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 December 1922, Page 3

Lausanne Conference.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. PASSAGE THROUGH STRAITS. LAUSANNE, Dec. a M Barrere, communicating with Paris regarding the slight difference of opinion between Britain and Trance concerning the Dardanelles, said the British favoured a tree passage foi both merchantmen and warships. * The French agree to a free passage for merchantmen, but prefer special regulations regarding governing the ton re-’ ed bv the Allies, in consultation with the naval and military experts on the problem. Lord Curzon i ; to-morrow to give the Allies views to the Russians and lurks. ITALY AND RUSSIA. ROME, Dec. 5. Mussolini is staying at Mdan. cn route to London, He confers there with M. Tchitcherm m connection with the Adriatic and the recession oi Salonika to Jugo Sin via. RUSSIA’S NAVAL POSITION. (Received this day at 11.30 n.m.) PARIS. December o. The admission of the Russians to the Lansane conference has evented a new factor on the question of the ratification of the treaty. The Washington Treaty does not limit the naval armament' of Russia. If the Stn.it*. question is decided contrary to Russia s desires, Russia will he at liberty to increase her. naval strength. If she does it is possible the other Poweis seize the pretext and declare it » breach -of the Washington agreement, “lie Temps” suggests the treaty be ratified with reservations, enabling the powers to modify the programme in accordance with the new situation created by tbe Russian naval power, or else scrap the Washington agreement and negotiate a wider treaty to include Russia,

near east negotiations. (Received this day at 10 a.in.) LAUSANNE, Dec. G. Lord Curzon is completely satisfied with Allied discussions. Barrere remarked it was an excellent day for the Entente. The Balkan representatives are equally satisfied. The Allies policy regarding the Straits provides foi tlie administration by an alternation commission of the control, including delegates of all the Allies, the. Black Sea states, Russia and Bulgaria. The Allies will insist that the Turks explain their policy in order to find a basis for an understanding. Mr Child informed Ismet Pasha of the American viewpoint, which favours the complete opening of the Straits .to merchantmen, with restrictions on the passage of warships. Ismet denies the position of the Christians in Constantinople causes anxiety, and declares the reports relative to the insecurity of the Greeks, are Greek manoeuvres designed to influence negotiations for the exchange of the Turkish and Greek populations.

THE ALLIES AND THE ENTENTE. (Received this dnv at 10.3(1 •* m ) PARIS, Dec. G. The Matin’s Lausanne correspondent states the idea is more widely accepted that the London conference will decide the general policy of the Allies, and the general character of the Entente. Turkey will certainly wait till after the conference before making any reply differing materially from the views emanating from Moscow. There are certain manoeuvres and evasions that Turkey assuredly will not employ, if the Allies unite, hut j)ii the contrary she will try if H' P Billies are divided, not only lor the capital question of the Straits, hut for every other question, riierofore the Entente is essential.