The Guardian (And Evening star,with which is in-Corporate the west coast Times.) WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1st. 1923 A CRITICAL SERVEY.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 August 1923, Page 2

The Guardian (And Evening star,with which is inCorporate the west coast Times.) WEDNESDAY, AUGUST Ist. 1923 A CRITICAL SERVEY.

Tiik survey of Mr Lloyd George of tho treaty of Lausanne was not pleasant reading. He describes it as “a great Turkish triumph,” and it appears to be all that. Contrary to the ordinary' acceptance of the universal proverb, the eeggars became choosers and are about to enjoy the fruits of their victory! The “sick man of Europe” has become a very well man, and by successful intrigue forced a split in the Allies which permitted the Turks marching

to a peaceful victory of far-reaching importance. The British were badlv

“loft” by the principal allies—America and Franco. Tbo United States through President. Wilson, was mainly responsible for tbc Sevres treaty, but when tno President’s health broke down, America withdrew her active and moral support, which was the beginning of the end of the Sevres treaty. Mr Lloyd George does not mince matters with regard to the French action. He dubs tne secret negotiations or France with tho Turks as "both single-handed and under-handed'’—-a fatal stop which broke the unity alone -enabling tbo Western Powers to deal effectively with the Turk. How much alone Britain was left by hor Allies whom sho had assisted so much in the Great War, was emphasised a few months ago towards tile close of Mr Lloyd George’s premiership, when tire. British troops had to stand alone against tho advancing Turks. That was the occasion when the British Prime Minister sent his messages to the overseas Dominions and the prompt reply of New Zealand and others would have its joint effect on tho belligerent Turks. At the time the Turks attempted bluff' to the very last extremity, but Geneiii! Harrington was eqlial to the occasion . The position however was seriously strained and the situation became very acute, especially when the French troops withdrew out cf the zone defended hv the British and left John Bull alone “to see it- through.” Mr Lloyd George ..nowing the inside history of that critical period can well comment with warmth on the “under hand” notion of France. Following that occasion came Miuluuia, which Mr Lloyd George describes as an Allied letreat. lb was hoped probably that from Mudania would arise a new atmosphere, but the proceedings at Lausanne indicated the Turks were still masters of the situation, and probably with the secret agreement with France, could barter as sho wished, throwing the brunt of another war if it was to come, on Great Britain. So wo realise what Mr Lloyd George means when he states Lausanne was an Allied rout. The Allies were split Up and left without cohesion or common cause. Perhaps something of a like nature will happen with France ill Belgium if she is not careful. There are signs that while she ignoied British opinion in the past, she has now some desire to regard it with favor. But British sympathy with Franco will lie warped by reason cf the Frahoo-Tiirkisli episode, and Mr I.lovd George’s magnifying of the matter will not popularise the French cause in Germany. As for Lausanne, which Mr Lloyd George describes as a milestone on the road to the future, the Turks will Ik* very much on their tii.J, but should they repeat those excesses which made their exit from Europe so essential, who shall cheek them ? Probably till there is a regrouping of tne Powers, and the principal parties :ue prepared to assert themselves, the mistakes of Lausanne will continue to remind the world of how the omnipotent Allies at the moment of supreme victory failed for the want of effective unity.