THE ALLIES.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 January 1921, Page 5

THE ALLIES.

NEXT WEEK’S CONFERENCE. gUESTIOKS FOB DISCUSSION!, JHE GBECO-TURKISH POSITION By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, Jan. 17. The approaching Paris conference will be confined to the disarmament of Germany, reparations, and the Turkish treaty, which France is anxious to discuss, and possibly the danger of the collapse of Austria. British opinion is that disarmament is not likely to need long consideration before agreement is reached. It is not thought possible that the reparations question can be finally settled; probably the matter will not go beyond a general exchange of views. France and Britain have to decide how far the question is capable of settlement at present, but Britain believes that nothing definite is attainable until further information from Germany is available. The question is not only what the Allies want, but also what they can get. With reference to the Sevres Treaty, it must be remembered that the position of Turkey is somewhat obscure. The whereabouts of Izzet Pasha and the mission which was sent from Constantinople to arrange matters with Mustapha Kemal are unknown. He was expected to leave Angora on the conclusion of his work at the end of December, but at present it ifi thought he is still with Mustapha Kemal. In Asia Minor the military situation is regarded as absolutely secure. The Greeks are holding their position and extending their front at several points. The question presents itself whether Constantine can carry on without the support of the Allies. If he can, there can be no question of forcing the Greeks to evacuate Smyrna, but there are doubts whether the financial resources of Greece are sufficient to enable her singlehanded to hold her position. Present reports are reassuring. Britain’s attitude towards Greece will be one of the greatest reserve and a desire for fuller observation of developments before she sees any reason to alter the position she has always held about a settlement. —Reuter.