TURKS IN ZONE.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 September 1922, Page 5

TURKS IN ZONE.

CAVALRY OVER THE LINE. FORCE OF TWO THOUSAND. REQUEST TO WITHDRAW. BRITISH FORCE READY. •y Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Sept. 26, 5.5 p.m. London, Sept. 25. Turkish cavalry have re-entered the Chan<k zone. General Harington (Alied Commander-In-Chief) has requested their withdrawal.—Reuter Service. Received Sept. 26, 7.55 p.m. Constantinople, Sept. 25. The Turkish cavalry which re-entered the neutral zone were provided with machine -guns. General Harington’s request for their withdrawal allowed reasonable time for the communication to reach the Turkish commanders, after which the consequences will devolve upon the heads of the Kemal if they persist in defiance. A later message states the cavalry that entered the zone is estimated to be two thousand strong. A British mobile column has taken up a position half-way to Erenkeny in readiness for eventualities.—Reuter Service. INVASION OF ZONE. TURKS’ MOVE DESCRIBED. CAVALRY OCCUPY POINTS. London. Sept. 24. The Times gives a detailed story or the Turkish invasion of the neutral zone. The discovery that the Turks had entered the neutral zone was made bv a British cavalry patrol of the 3rd Hus«ars which, on the usual reconnaisance on Saturday, entered Sarachelli, 27 miles south of Chanak, and found it occupied by 200 regular Turkish cavalry. After obtaining information from the inhabitants the British commander rode up and asked the Turk commander what he was doing on this side of the neutral boundary. The Turk replied that he did not know he was in neutral territory. This wa« obviously untrue. The Turk added that he saw no British on the boundary. He had come in pursuit of Greek armed bands. He was then requested to withdraw, but replied that he was unable to do so without orders. He was then requested to halt and ask for orders and warned that further encroachment

might entail serious consequences. The British patrol then withdrew, but kept the place under observation. There wa* no further movement for a few hours, when Turks, estimated at 800, advanced along the main road, with a flank guard of 150 between them and the sea. A further body of cavalry, of unknown strength, was observed advancing from Bairamich. A British officer, with a British flag, rode forward and asked to speak to the officer commanding, who was a colonel. The latter stated politely that the Turks did not wish to embroil themselves with tlie British unless the British refused to consider their conditions. The British patrol then withdrew and reported the situation to the commandant of the Dardanelles area, who instructed the Turkish Governor at Chanak to telephone to the Turkish commander to warn him of the serious results to Turkey.

The Governor complied, but stated that the commander would not listen to him. Meanwhile the Turks continued to advance, passed north of Erenkeuy. on the road between Chanak and Erenkeuy, and demolished three selected spots. After the demolition the Turkish commander rode forward with a white flag and asked to see the British commander the following morning near

Perez. The reply was given that, although the Turks appeared deliberately to have violated the neutrality zone despite the warning, the British commander would meet him provided no attack was made in the meantime. While the conference may end in a i new crisis it is noteworthy that the Turks have already secured sufficient coastal are* to enable them to mount heavy guns covering the Straits. An earlier message from Chanak stated that there was evidence of a second Turkish army morins towards the Dardanelles. Strong forces of cavalry occupy the line Bigha-Bairamich-Erine. Bigha is held by a large force of cavalry supported by infantry and Ezine by 10,000 Turks. The Greek refugees have left for Gallipoli, fearing a bombardment. The work on the Chanak defences continues dav and night. Turkish aeroplanes bombarded Mitylene yesterday. The French and Italian detachments marched out. A later report states that the Turks returned to Bairamich, outside the neutral zone. NAVAL DISARMAMENT. HELD UP BY SITUATION. Received Sept. 26, 9.5 p.m. Washington, Sept. 26. It is reported that the Near East situa tion has halted the European Powers’ plans for scrapping naval armament in accordance with the Washington Treaty. It is understood that Britain may indefinitely postpone her undertaking in this connection. CANADA’S ATTITUDE. AWAITING RESULT OF NEGOTIATIONS Received Sept. 26, 9.5 p.m. Ottawa, Sept. 26. The attitude of the Canadian Government appears to be one of watchful waiting, pending ncgntiafiona between the Allies and Turks, before taking further action. The British Government’s supplementary information, which the Canadian Cabinet requested, has been received. The Hon. W. L. MacKenzie King (Premier) says it contains additional facts, but he refuses to divulge the contents, declaring they are marked “secret.” The feeling generally i? that the Turkish situation will be solv’d amicably.