PERIL OF WAR

Taranaki Daily News, 19 September 1922, Page 5

PERIL OF WAR

TURKS MAY AVERT IT TROOPS MOVE TO SCENE BRITISH LEAVE MALTA RESPONSE OF DOMINIONS By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Beceived September 18, 8.35 p.m. London, September 17. The Times’ correspondent in Constantinople states it is now certain in well-informed circles that Kemal will attempt to avoid a collision with the Entente Powers, but there is uncertainty whether he can rely on his officers in the neutral zones, or whether the Angora Assembly will be prudent. Reports from Turkish sources indicate that the Nationalists are sending four or five divisions of possibly fifteen thousand bayonets in the direction of Ismid. Malta reports that the first battalion of Gordon Highlanders and two hundred members of the Royal Garrison Artillery, with many heavy guns and supplies of ammunition, have embarked, and others are under orders.—Times Service. TROOPS DIGGING TRENCHES. PROTECTING THE DARDANELLES. Received September 18, 9.5 p.m. London, September 18. The Morning Post’s Constantinople correspondent reports that British and Allied troops are digging trenches six hours daily in the Chanak region in order to protect the Dardanelles from a Kemalist attack. British reinforcements are expected to land at Chanak, though in insufficient force to resist a serious attack. It is not expected, however, that Kemal will begin his offensive until he has tried negotiating with the Powers, though small bodies of irregulars may be sent into Thrace in order to raise a revolt among the Moslem population. Indeed, some bands already have been organized secretly. Greek officers have gone to Thrace to stiffen the Greek army.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. GRAVE DANGER FROM WAR BLACKS AGAINST WHITES Received September 18, 9.5 p.m. London, September 18. The Daily Express’ Geneva correspondent says the delegates to the League of Nations fear that if the Russians and Arabs join with the Turks the Balkan war will spread to Africa and Asia, involving a black and yellow conflict with the whites.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. FREEDOM OF THE STRAITS. TURKISH PRESS APPROVAL. Received September 18, 11.30 p.m. , Constantinople September 17. Turkish papers agree that the freedom of the Straits must be respected. The principal Nationalist organ says that information from a semi-official source leads it to believe that if necessary sacrifices will be made within the limits of the National pact to put an end to the present situation, but it is abeolutelv impossible in the matter of the Straits to go beyond the national pact.—Reuter.

FEELING IN AMERICA. ALLIES’ POLICY SUPPORTED. Received Sept. 18, 10.30 p.m. New York, Sept. 18. Many preachers in their Sunday sermons. commenting on the Near East situation, condemned the action of the Turks and called upon the Allies to drive them out of Aaia Minor and never to surrender Constantinople to them. Some well-known ministers who did missionary work in the Near East condemned the United States’ action in standing aloof, and declared the blame for the situation rests primarily with the Ignited States, which could have prevented the present conditions by timely, participation in a settlement of Near East affairs. CANADIAN ATTITUDE.' CABINET MEETING CALLED MANY VOLUNTEERS. Received Sept. 18, 10.30 p.m. Ottawa, Sept. 18. The Government sent an urgent invitation to Ministers throughout the Dominion to attend an extraordinary session of the Cabinet Council on Monday to consider the British Government’s request for the services of an overseas contingent in the Near East. Ex-servicemen throughout the Dominion are informing the Government of their Willingness to join a contingent, and recruit tag bag even begun in Montreal. Former officers are calling upon men who served tinder them, and are getting their signatures for a pledge to serve against the "urks. Federal and provincial Ministers generally refuse to comment on the situation, but Ms J. E. Caron, Minister of Agriculture in the Quebec Provincial Government, stated the* Canada should think more than once tens*.committing henelf to another for •ijr -wy. He added: "It is a matter of and will deserve the deepen before action is taken. My pinl n is that Canada should keep entanglements in foreign wan."

AUSTRALIA’S RESPONSE. PROMISE OF ASSISTANCE. MANY MEN OFFERING. Melbourne, Sept. 18. Mr. Hughes ie notifying Mr. Lloyd George that the Commonwealth desired to associate itself with Britain in whatever action is necessary. If circumstances require it he is prepared to send a contingent of troops. The matter will be brought before Parliament on Tuesday. Mr. Charlton, leader of the Labor Party, stated the Labor Party would not support the Government if it decided to send a contingent unless the people were consulted by referendum. Whilst he favored Australia’s participation in the last war he could see no reason why Australia should be involved in a struggle against the Kemalists. Received Sept. 18, 10.5 p.m. Sydney, Sept. 18. Although nothing will be done in the way of enlistment until after to-morrow’s Federal Cabinet meeting, men started early this morning and visited barracks throughout the day, inquiring with a view to enlistment. The majority of the inquirers were returned officers and soldiers. They were told: “Nothing doing yet; call later." Indications are that if the call comes there will be a generous response. AU the machinery’ for enrolment is ready for immediate operation. The view is expressed that aU the British Government requires at present is merely definite assurance that assistance from the Dominions will be forthcoming if required. Received Sept. 18, 8.10 p.m. Yesterday’s war news and appeal to the Dominions came as a surprise. The great mass of the public were unaware of the developments till they read the morning papers. Most of the political and military leaders favor the various parts of the Empire acting in unison and sending a contingent if need requires it, and the Press and public opinion very largely supports this view. The Morning Herald’s leader sums up the situation thus: “The Empire must speak with one voice, and the Imperial Government’s appeal is for a united front. As far as Australian co-operation is concerned, there can be only one answer by Australian people, and we prophesy it will be more than adequate."