DANGER OF WAR.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 August 1922, Page 5

DANGER OF WAR.

CRISIS IN NEAR RAST CREEKS EAGER TO FIGHT. PANIC AMONG PEASANTS. ALLIES STRIVE FOR PEACE! By Telegraph.—Press Assn—Copyricht. Received Aug. 1, 5.5 p.m. Paris. August 1. Reports from Constantinople state hundreds of Turkish peasants living on the Bosphorous littoral crossed to the Asiatic shore in a panic unequalled since the victorious Bulgarians attacked the diatalja lines in 1912The Allies are adopting extraordinary measures to preserve peace, but the Greek population has been hoist prons/y demonstrating since the Rod os to landing. The troops freshly disembarked in Thrace are suffering from an infectious brand of patriotic fervour and are clamouring to be led to battle. The War Office has been informed that the Greeks are disembarking additional troops and artillery. The situation. therefore, is still regarded as grave and menacing. Even if the Greek action is only bluff, there is always the danger of disaster in such circumstances; it is like toying with a lighted match near a powder magazine. The Italian and British troops combined do not exceed five thousand.— Aus.-N_Z. Cable AssnParis papers urge the Entente to inform King Constantine of Greece that unless he withdraws his army from the vicinity of the neutral zone, reduces the Greek strength in Thraee, and changes his Asian policy, Greek ports will be Olockaded. GREEK GOVERNMENT WARNED. REASSURING REPLY RECEIVED. London, July 31. It is authoritatively learned that Britain and Prance have completely agreed in regard to the steps taken for the preservation of the neutrality of Constantinople. It is reported from Constantinople that Greek troops continue to land at Rodosto; 25,000 have arrived. Mr. Lloyd George, in the House of Commons, replying to questions, stated that the British representative at Athens had warned the Greek Government of the serious consequences of an advance on Constantinople. In reply the Greek Foreign Minister gave an assurance that there was no cause for alarm, and the Greek forces would not enter the neptrai zone without the Allies’ con=ent. This assurance had since been reaffirmed. Mr. Lloyd George added that he had no intention yet of calling a conference of the Powers. Instructions had been iasned to the Governments of Greece and Angora asking for facilities for a commission of inquiry into the alleged atrocities. [Rodo=to is on the west side of the Sea of Marmora.] Malta. July 31. The third light cruiser squadron. under Admiral Tyrwhitt. is taking in stores and then going to Constantinople. GENERAL TOWNSHEND’S VIEWS. Constantinople, July 31. General Townshend, interviewed prior to leaving Angora, said: “After conferring with Mustafa Kemal I am absolutely convinced that immediate peace is achievable by the Greeks immediately evacuating Anatolia. All other points can be easily settled- If peace efforts fail now a grave situation will Arise I shall explain the situation to the Government in London. ‘‘All classes in Turkey received me wonderfully. My promise not to enter Turkey wa- conditional as I have already explained in the House of ComBom. I felt it mv duty to use my influence with the Turks for the purpose of humanity and the most vital interests of the Empire.”