FRANCE’S POLICY.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 September 1922, Page 5

FRANCE’S POLICY.

WILL ACT IF NECESSARY VIEW OF THE TURKS. “WILL OCCUPY CHANAK” SOME DEMANDS REJECTED, By Telegraph.—Pres« Assn.—Copyright. Received Sept. 20, 8.55 p.m. Paris, September 19. Lord Curzon (British Foreign Secretary) sees M. Poincare on Wednesday. It is announced that though Cabinet supported the withdrawal of French troops from Chanak it was only due to Kemal’s assurance that he would not attack Gallipoli. A high French authority states that if Kemal places a foot in the neutral zone it will not be tolerated. Public opinion is utterly hostile to military action, but a section of the public is asking if the Brit- . *sh action is attributable to fuller informa'tion regarding Soviet co-operation with the Kemalists than France possesses. Ferid Bey, interviewed by the New York Herald, declared the Kemalists intend to occupy Chanak. as they do not recognise the neutral zone on the Asiatic side, though recognising the Allied occupation of Constantinople and Gallipoli. He said that if the British wished to provoke trouble the blame would be theirs. Turkey, he said, did not admit the right of any nation to prohibit her from placing troops anywhere on the Asiatic side of the Straits, and when the Kemalists occupied that side they would be willing to sit at a peace table, and even to agree to an Allied garrison on Gallipoli and the protection of minorities. “If blood is shed it will be Britain’s fault,” he added, “for her demands are illogical. If a conflagration, starts, it will be very dangerous, and may even be fatal to the British Empire.”—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. The Echo de Paris says it Is an urgent necessity to conclude as soon as possible a lasting peace. If Britain realises her own interests she cannot fail to share this opinion, for the news from Mesopotamia must have made her feel the real danger to British influence in the Near East, through continued hostilities with Turkey. BRITISH CABINET SATISFIED WITH POSITION PLANS TO MEET BREACH London 19 The Cabinet resumed its sittings this morning. Lord Beatty, Air-Marshal Trenchard and Lord Cavan again attending. It was reported that the French withdrawal of troops came as a surprise, owing to the absence of official confirmation. Meanwhile the report that Kemal lias given an undertaking to respect the neutral zones gives satisfaction in Downing Street. It is understood that the Government would be satisfied with this assurance, provided it was accompanied by adequate guarantees. There will he no fighting if Kemal has power to prevent his troops violating the neutral zones in Asia Minor. Cabinet has decided that Lord Beatty should proceed to Paris with Lord Curzon to Interview M. Poincare, and possibly the French naval experts, regarding British measures. A definite decision was reached regarding the action which would be taken in the event of an attempt to violate the neutral zone. Lord Curzon left with full instructions. and Lord Beatty follows. Ministers agreed that any movement of Kemalist troops from the Asiatic side could be effectively stopped by naval action alone if necessary. As far as is known the French have only a few detachments at Chanak. No further Cabinet meetings have been arranged, and probably none will be held til] after Lord Curzon’s return. Mr. Lloyd George has gone into the country. An official statement issued from Downing Street after th a Cabinet meetings says: It is stated by some newspapers that the semi-official declaration of policy issued or Saturday is now regarded as a mistake by the Government. ' This is untrue. The declaration of policy represented i the decision of Cabinet on the previous [ day. and was issued with the approval ! of all the Ministers at present in Lon- ! don, in order that the public throughout the Empire should not be left in | doubt regarding the aims and intenI tions of the British Government on the critical question of Imperial policy on which the support of the Dominions was i invited. The Cabinet is well satisfied I with tiie support accorded, not only in l this country, but in the Dominions. The Empire will not consent to sacrifice the results of the gallant struggle and decisive victories of its sons in the Eastern theatre. It is reported that the Italians have decided to send back to Constantinople the small contingent sent with the British troops to the neutral zone. Should France and Italy decide not to take part in the defence of the neutral zone Parliament will be immediately summoned. THE SOVIET FACTOR. HELP FOR KEMAL’S ARMY. SPIRIT OF REVENGE. Received Sept. 20, 10.30 p.m. London, Sept. 20. According to a well informed source, the Bolsheviks have been for a long time transferring considerable quantities of gold and precious stones to help to equip Kemal’s army. Some treasures were taken from churches: War material has also been sent, and considerable numbers of German officers have reached Angora through Soviet Russia, and they are greatly responsible for the efficiency of the Turkish Nationalists. — Times Service. Received Sept. 20, 10.30 p.m. Berlin, Sept. 20. At the last meeting of Hie Soviet military council Trotsky said the present was a favorable opportunity to demonstrate the readiness of the Red army. Several speakers pointed out that it was an opportunity to force the Entente to recognise the Soviet, which might possibly obtain the required foreign loans. Received Sept. 20, 10.30 p.m. Paris, Sept. 20. According to Le Temps, the Soviet is proposing to France a new Franeo-Rus-sian alliance as a guarantee against attack from Germany.