FOREIGN POLICY.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 March 1920, Page 5

FOREIGN POLICY.

DIFFICULTIES OF TURKEY. FAILURE OF GERMAN PLOT. By Telegraph.--Preßa Asan.—Copyright. Received March 26, 8.20 p.m. London, March 25. In the House of Commons, Mr. Asquith called attention to the British foreign policy, and severely condemned the Government's decision to retain the Turks in Constantinople, but he recognised that it was now practically impossible to recede from the terms of the published announcement. Mr. Asquith favored making the Sultan's position in Constantinople similar to that oft he Pope in the Vatican, allowing the Sultan to exercise no functions but those of Khalif. He urged that the total amount of the reparation claims against the Central Power* should be fixed. Mr. Lloyd George, replying, said it was a matter for European joy that the militarist plot in Germany failed,- but it was most difficult to conjecture what would happen now,,, although the situation at present indicated a restoration oi order. The Vatic&nieation of the Sultan had been considered inadequate, and he contended it would enormously increase the Allies' financial responsibility if they attemtped to govern Constantinople. The delay in signing the Turkish Treaty was due to a desire not to proceed pending a possible settlement of political differences in America. He regretted the p.bsence of an offer by America to protect Armenia, adding: "We cannot police the whole world, and it is unfair to burden the British Empire indefinitely with the cost of policing." Mr. Lloyd George disagreed with Mr. Asquith's suggestion that British interests in Mesopotamia should be restricted to the zone of Basra. Almost all tribes were anxious that the British Government should remain. "Our idea," he added, "was to remain as mandatories over territory which would include Mosul in order to assist the Arab Government." He pointed out that Germany had not taken advantage of the invitation to make a specific offer. regarding reparation. He emphasised the necessity of remembering the justice of the French claims, and he felt the Allies would support fair and reasonable proposals. The Premier discountenanced a suggestion that the reparation Work should bo handed over to the League of Nations.— Imperial Service.