PEACE OR WAR?

Taranaki Daily News, 23 September 1922, Page 5

PEACE OR WAR?

CLOUDS GATHER AGAIN. POSITION MORE SERIOUS. TURKS REACH THE ZONE. ALLIES STRIVE FOR PEACE. Less reassuring news was received from the Near East last night, though there is nothing to justify alarm. A statement was made in the House last night by Mr. Massey that the situation gave rise to more anxiety than the previous day, and that unless there was an improvement the Government would have to act. The cables reveal FrancoBritish unity and a desire to reach a settlement. From Turkey comes news that the Turks are on the edge of the neutral zone and the next day or two will show what they are going to do. There is an unconfirmed report that the Turks threaten to advance unless the question of Thrace is settled. There is an intense political struggle in Turkey between the moderates seeking to avoid war, and the extremists, supported by the army leaders, who appear ready to risk a conflict. In the meantime British reinforcements —military, naval and air force—are arriving and the plans for defence are completed. TURKISH VANGUARD. ADVANCE TO ZONE. NO BREACH MADE. Reeived Sept. 22, 9.5 p.m. Constantinople. Sept. 21. The French and Italian detachments and their flags were to-day removed from the Ismid and Dardanelles neutral zones on orders from their respective Governments. The lines are now held exclusively by British troops, supported by the combined Atlantic and Mediterranean fleets. The Kemalist vanguard is reported to have reached the neutral zone of the Dardanelles and the next few hours will show whether they contemplate action. It is hoped, however, that friendly outside counsels will deter Kemal from committing an actual breach. Advices have been received at Adana from Smyrna that Kemalist Ministers have arrived. It is also reported, but not confirmed, that Smyrna will henceforth be the Nationalists" headquarters. Authoritative quarters in Adana express the view that the Turks will not attack the Allied troops in the neutral zone, which Turkey does not intend at present to attempt to re-occupy.—Reuter Ser vice Received Sept. 23. 1 a.m. Constantinople. Sept. 22. The Kemalists threaten to advance unless satisfactory guarantees about Thrace are received within forty-eight hours.—Renter Service. WAR OR PEACE? RIVAL TURKISH PARTIES. INTENSE POLITICAL STRUGGLE. Received Sept. 22, 5.5 p.m. Constantinople. Sept. 21. There is an intense political struggle at Angora between the Moderates, supported by the Opposition, wishing to avoid war, and the Extremists, supported by the army leaders, some of whose heads having been turned by successes are ready to risk a conflict. The* Soviet’s envoy Ara I off naturally support* the war party. The French Government, through its representatives, is doing its utmost to persuade the Nationalists to adopt a moderate policy, but it appears that M. Belle, the French envoy, returned from' Smyrna this morning and found them in an uncompromising mood.—Times ATMS OF THE TURKS. WAR TO ACHIEVE THEM. WILL OCCUPY THRACE. Constantinople, Sept. 21. Hamid Bey, Angoran representative, interviewed, declared that nothing would alter Angora’s decision to occupy Thrace. The Angora Assembly, by an overwhelming majority, authorised Kemal to continue the war until the achievement of the national aims. The British, French and Italian Consuls at Mitylene officially report that 200,000 Christian? are still lying on the foreshores of Smyrna awaiting help and they insist that urgent action is necessary, otherwise nobody will survive. FEELING IN INDIA. NO REQUEST FOR TROOPS. Delhi, Sept. 21. It is understood no invitation to send a contingent to the Near East was received in India. This it is considered wffl accentuate the bad feeling already if troops are sent.—Reuter.