THE NEAR EAST

Hokitika Guardian, 26 May 1923, Page 3

THE NEAR EAST

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION CONFER FATE TO BE HELD. LONDON, -May 2b. Lausanne reports stato that the Allies have decided to await Angora's reply to Ismci’s communications regarding the Greek reparations, before any further discussion. A conference will be held on Saturday, when Ismet Pasha and the Greek Foreign -Minister will be present. The impression now in Lausanne is that the Greeks and Turks are so deeply committed hy their pledges that only drastic action on the part of the Allies will prevent an outbreak of war.

I ALLIES VERY ANXIOUS. LONDON, -May 2b. 'fhe Greek Army in Thrace is esti- ' mated at sixty thousand bayonets. The Greek generals and politicians declare that their aim is not the re-an-nexation of Eastern Thrace, but they desire, by driving the Turks into the sea, to bring Angora to its senses. The “Daily Telegraph’s” diplomatic correspondent says:—The Turkish explanation of the recent large movement of Turkish troops from Asia Minor to Eastern Thrace is not accepted in diplomatic and military circles in London. The explanation given by the Turks is that they are demobilised soldiers who are usually resident in Thrace ])tit the Serbians at any rato arc undor no illusions on the subject, and they are increasing their precautionary measures on their frontier, in .Serbia and Macedonia, where there are two divisions already. OFFER REFUSEDLAUSANNE, May 21 The atmosphere of the Conference is heavy. The Turks refused Greece s offer* of the town of Karngatch, in lieu of any reparations. The Greeks now apparently think that the time is ripe for an attack on Thrace, which, if conquered, would provide a home for Greek refugees from Asia -Minor, and would dispose of the question of the indemnity. TURKS ARREST GREEKS. CONSTANTINOPLE, May 21 The authorities are making numerous arrests of Greek subjects. The .Spanish Legation, which is in charge of the Greek interests, has lodged a protest.