THE NEAR EAST.

Hokitika Guardian, 31 January 1923, Page 2

THE NEAR EAST.

“ THE TIMES ” SERVICE. KKMAL’S OATH. CONSTANTINOPLE, Jan 29. Praying at his mother’s grave, on the eve of his departure irom Smyrna for Angora, in the presence of a great crowd, General Ivcnial Pasha swore, J)y his mother’s soul, to defend his coun- ,_ try’s new won liberties. Ho prayed:— “1 would rather join you in the grave than allow Turkey’s sovereignty to be imperilled.” Some Turks locally deplore such incidents, which are usually a prelude to warlike operations, but Anatolians declare that they will not wait longer, and will refuse further parleys. This may he bluff, but the Turkish National Assembly, according to reliable sources, professes a determination to take the matter from the delegates at Lausanne. Turkish preparations on the Mosul border continue. Tito Turks are spreading reports that millions of Egyptians. Indians, mid Afghans are ready to light England. BRITISH FLEET IN POSITION. PARIS, Jan 29. “Le Temps” states:—The Kemalists w ill bo at a great disadvantage if they resume hostilities, as the British Fleet holds the Dardanelles and the Sea ol Ma rmorn. KKMAL .MARRIES. CONSTANTINOPLE. Jan 30. Keiual surprised everybody by being married at Smyrna to-day to tho daughter of a leading local notable. CREEK MINISTERS RELEASED ATHENS, Jan 30. Tig. ex-Pretnier Calogcrppoulis and the ex-Ministers Tsadlaris, Baths and Yoidky have- all been released. THE TURKISH POSITION. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) LONDON. January 30. At Lausanne, the French efforts aio being directed to bringing about a . suspension rather than an abrupt breaking off of the conference. If they successful the situation of Turkev m»v b' most dangerous.