THE NEAR EAST

Hokitika Guardian, 19 June 1923, Page 2

THE NEAR EAST

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. TURKISH POSITION. (Received this dav at 8.30 a.m.) LAUSANNE, June 18 Despite all efforts, no agreement has been reached on the evacuation of Constantinople, or the renewal and readjustment of concessions and Ottoman Debt. The first two points could easily he settled if the third could he solved. AI. l’elle has received the strictest injunctions from Paris regarding payment of the debt in gold currency. I sine t declares Turkey cannot agree and his instructions from Angora are just, as binding. It is understood direct negotiations between Loudon, Rome and Paris are now taking place in regard to Turkish adamanev. FAR EAST PROBLEMS. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, June 18. The “Morning Post” in a special article, says without any desire to appear alarmist, it is impossible to resist the impression anywhere in the Far East that a class colour is imminent. Western education is having the effect of causing Orientals to no longer regard Americans or Europeans as miraculous beings. Every concession hy European Governments is looked upon as a sign of weakening. I lie Hong Kong strike is a signal example of a result of this feeling. The correspondent considers another damaging effect on the European prestige was caused hy the lessening of the fleetand armies. Those at Home know ii is only retrenchment and indicates no loss of power, but tile native looks m it in a different light from this viewpoint. The desire to make Singapore a great naval centre, is therefore a great.- Imperial conception. The correspondent goes on to give reasons in favour of the selection of Singapore, principally oil account of its position. Jlong Kong is also a great centre ot trade, but, without the hacking of Singapore it is so isolated that her stand against an aggressor from the north might' only he a matter of hours. The Singapore scheme will add renewed strength to the British position in India and to all Asiatics it will lie a very tangible reminder of our strength. America in the Philippines would fool half her burden lightened if she knew her greatest friends were in a strong enough position to stem an Asiatic tide on the spot. America cannot protest these islands herself and she is more likely to work in harmony with British trade interests if sure of their mutual protostion. The development of Singapore therefore would be a very present indication to Asiatics generally that England intends to protect her interests and nationals, whatever policy may be proposed out there hy other nations. It would also lie a. check to Bolshevik propaganda. Tt is entirely a question of insurance on behalf of the western world against war risks and is merely an accident that England alone is at the moment able to take out a policy for the protection of Eastern trade, and as a standing pledge of occidental prestige in the Orient.