NOTE TO TURKS.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 September 1922, Page 5

NOTE TO TURKS.

ENTENTE VIEW CLEAR. WILL KEMAL NEGOTIATE? CORRESPONDENT’S VIEW, By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Sept. 19, 5.5 p.m. London, Sept. 18. Constantinople reports state the Entente High Commissioners handed the Nationalist representative a Note pointing out that, without prejudice to the eventual peace terms, it is undesirable that the Nationalists should violate the neutral zones defined by the Allies.—Times Service, Constantinople, Sept. 18. Mr. G. Ward Price, the correspondent, says: “My own belief, after a long talk with Kemal at Smyrna, is that he will prefer to negotiate rather than challenge the Allies to a trial of strength. There is still a possibility that the more fanatical elements in the National Assembly at Angora may force him to take military action, but if he is checked anywhere the whole prestige of his recent victory will be lost. The destruction of Smyrna has already greatly weakened him.” —United Service. A BRITISH STA'I .-..iENT. HISTORY OF ITS ORIGIN. Received Sept. 18, 8.55 p.m. London, Sept. 18. The Evening Standard, under the heading, “History of Blunder,” prints a statement bearing evidence of inspiration from Downing Street calculated to modify the first public impression caused by Saturday’s manifesto. It says: “We learn the document was drafted by a Cabinet Minister for the guidance of those who might be called upon to answer inquiries concerning the Government’s position. It was issued with the Prime Minister’s approval, but it was unofficial, since it was not agreed to by Cabinet. Why so important a statement came to be publisher! so casually is not explained. There 1- no expectation that troops will be caileu irom the Dominions unless Kemal becomes aggressive and creates an intolerable position.” The paper proceeds: “In no country and no sect.on is there any desire for an out break ci war. Telegrams have been received from Kemal himself making it clear that he does not regard Britain as an enemy. Statesmen abroad must not accept this statement as official, though it eflects the views of the Government. On Saturday the Premier sanctioned the publication of the statement, but Cabinet was unaware of the language of the Note, which was not a Cabinet document and was not sent to either the French or Italian Governments.”

The whole tenor of the article, which bears striking resemblance to those of othei evening papers, suggests it is intended to discount the charges made by the Daily Mail and other papers that the Prime Minister’s policy was rushing the country headlong into war. If it is to be taken as semi-offic’al, it must be regarded also as soothing syrup to relieve the public agitation raised by Saturday’s manifesto, which was handed out for broadcasting throughout the Press. The manifesto was published as deliberately as such a document could be. Possibly the Government threw out its litle rubber bomb without realising it would bounce so much. Discussions are now concentrating upon the question who was responsible for the somewhat flambuoyant document. —United Service. A LONDON PROTEST. Received Sept. 18, 8.55 p.m. London, Sept. 18. A municipal employees’ conference in London protested against the Government’s action in sending troops to Constantinople, and adopted a resolution that “no man, ship or ammunition should leave this country in support of such a war.” —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. LEAGUE ASKED TO ACT. STEPS TO END HOSTILITIES. Received Sept. 19, 5.5 p.m. Geneva, Sept. 18. Dr. Nansen has asked the League of Nations Council to take measures to safeguard the peace of nations by offering its services to the belligerents in the Near East, or to take other steps to secure the immediate cessation of hostilities. Lord Robert Cecil submitted a resolution asking the Council to assure Armenian integrity in any Asia Minor settlement. Both resolutions were referred to the commis sion for an urgent report.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. JUGOSLAVS OPPOSE TURKS. WATCHING BULGARIA’S ACTION. Received Sept. 19, 5.5 p.m. 1 ’’■'don, Sept. 18. Belgrade reports tl at die renorted mobilisation of the Jugr-SR - army is not true, but considerable c(u>c.. .uv»ui. of troops is taking place in sour »-easteru Serbia. The Government is consider.- calling up the first-class reserves to counter possible Bulgarian action. The Press and the public are against the return of the Turks to Europe. Jugo-Slavia will assist the Allies to maintain the status quo.—Times Service. TURKISH ASSURANCES. UNOFFICIAL STATEMENT. PARTIAL UNDERTAKING REPORTED Received Sept. 20, 1.30 a.m. London, Sept. 19. It is unofficially stated that the French Government has received from the Angora Government formal assurance that Turkish troops will not attempt to enter Constans nople or try to cross the Straits. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.