THE NEAR EAST.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 February 1923, Page 2

THE NEAR EAST.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. MORE CONFLICTING NEWS. CONSTANTINOPLE, Feb 11. Tho Turkish newspapers have significantly begun to agitate for a prompt settlement of the Near East problems. They are now criticising Ismet for not signing the I.ausanne Treaty. This is traceable to Mr Bonar Law’s strong declaration in the House of Commons. Tbo Angora Government lias ordered all companies, including foreigners, to mnploy the Turkish language, exclusively in business. Recalcitrants’ premises will he occupied .with a view to the enforcement of the law. An Angora message says: Hie decision to close Smyrna is irrevocable. The warships must leave. Greek vessels will not lie permitted to enter tho Turkish ports. GUN-RUNNING. ** hkcteii’s telegrams. CONSTANTINOPLE, Feb Ft. The steamship Messina. ostensibly carrying coal from Zonngouldak to Smyrna, and flying the I‘reitclt flag, was seized while attempting to smuggle munitions to the Keinalists. She is being unloaded in Constantinople. v-' The incident seems to prove what has long been suspected : I hat gun-running activities are being carried on under cover of French and Italian flags. NOTE to TURKEY. (Received this day at 9.30 a.m.) PARTS, February F 5. The Allies are sending a Note to Turkey, maintaining the view that tho Mudros. and not the Mudania lArmisfiee, must regulate the conditions at Smyrna. ~~ —