NEAR EAST WAR.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 September 1922, Page 5

NEAR EAST WAR.

PROGRESS OF FIGHTING. TURKS CLAIM SUCCESS. DEFEAT OF THE GREEKS. By Telcgrap”..—Press Assn —Copyright. Received Sept. 5, 12.15 a.m. Paris, Sept. 3. Summing up the results of the big battle in Anatolia, an Angora communique claims that the Turkish offensive in the AfiunKara Hissar sector, after being pressed without interruption for five days, ended in the defeat of the bulk of the Greek army, which was split in two. The northern army was completely destroyed and dispersed, while the southern army suffered severe setbacks and is retreating towards Ushak. Large quantities of war material and 150 guns were captured. The communique adds that Kutaya Kedos has been occupied by the Turks. —Reuter Service.

CONFERENCE OF POWERS. ITALY ASKED TO CONVENE. Received September 4, 5.5 p.m. Paris, September 4. The Italian Government has been formally requested to convene a Near Eastern Conference, an Anglo-French agreement regarding the terms of the Convention having been reached. Le Temps declares the Turkish resumption of hostilities is due, firstly, to the Greek proclamation of autonomy over Smyrna; secondly, Mr. Lloyd George’s speech encouraging Greece; thirdly, the non-recognition of Fethi Bey’s London mission.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. EFFECT OF TURKISH VICTORIES. London, Sept. 3. The Weekly Dispatch says that, in view of developments in Asia Minor, the Government i* now anxious to expedite the Near East Conference. Turkish Nationalist victories in Anatolia are sure to encourage the extremists who are plotting to restore the old Turkish Empire, including Mesopotamia and Palestine, where Moslem sentiment is greatly inflamed. The victories are also likely lo react on Moslem feeling in India. There have been further collisions between the Zionists and Arabs in Palestine, where the situation is troubled and menacing. The situation in Irak is disquieting. The Government’s policy is to rely on air defence, but it is reported that Sir Percy Cox, the High Commissioner, has sent a request for troops.