THE NEAR EAST.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 February 1923, Page 2

THE NEAR EAST.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. .ENGLISH PRESS CRISIS. LONDON, Feb 5. The diplomatic correspondent of the “Daily Chronicle” returns to the old question of French responsibility regarding the deadlock at Lausanne. He states: Without unfairness or prejudice, the blame for the breakdown can ho attributed mainly to AI. Poincare’s unfortunate, mischievous last-hour intervention; hut there the French power for mischief lias possibly been exhausted. The French have nothing more to oifer. Their power in helping the Turks i.s exhausted. Britain has much to offer, in peace or war. if the Turks want peace, Britain is the solo Power to assist them on to their feet. If they want war. Britain h:-s the power of life and death ever Turkey. All this i.s known to the Turks. Their object, it may be presumed, is a separate peace with Britain. The “Daily Express” says: It is ridiculous to imagine we will use tho British Navy or recall to the trenches men of the British race in order to change the complexion of the, Turkish judicature. This would only happen if the Turks are mad enough to attack British troops. There i.s no reason to believe they will he mad enough lor that.

TURKEY’S ATT IT U DF.. LONDON. Feb 4. The “Morning Post” Lausanne correspondent asys:—“The French .and the Italians are more annoyed than tho British over the Turkish obstinacy in connection with the finances and the capitulations, which touch them more than they do Britain. The difieience is illustrated by tho final words at the Conference, Lord Curzon tolling Isiuet Pasha that the Turkish mtraetibilitv was incredible, and M Bompnrd saving it was a crime* to talk of separate treaties. . Lsinet Pasha informed Turkish jomiimlists that he did not refuse to sign owing to the Capitulations, but owing to tho financial section of the trea which meant the re-establishment ot the economic capitulations, and tho enslavement of Turkey. He claimed that he was aware that the conference was over, and declared that he expected a further communication from the Allies. Ismet concluded: —“My conscience is ‘ -I Tho French delegation is leaving for Paris.