THE PEACE MOVE.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 September 1922, Page 5

THE PEACE MOVE.

KEMAL STILL SILENT. NEGOTIATIONS EXPECTED. desire for conference. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Sept. 26, 7.55 p.m. Paris, Sept. 25. An unofficial message from Constantinople says the Kemalists, despite foreign intrigues and extremist pressure, are disposed to accept the Allied proposals in the hope that the projected conference will result in peace. Received Sept. 26, 7.55 p.m. Constantinople, Sept. 25. The Grand Vizier and the rest of the Government have resigned with a view to the early formation of a Nationalist Government, and the early deposition of the Sultan is being discussed.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.

Received Sept. 26, 11.55 p.m. London, Sept. 2G. The Daily Express predicts that while Angoraites are dissatisfied with the details they will accept the Allied Note as a basis for further negotiations. The objections include the de-militarisation of the Sea of Marmora shores, which, allegedly, will hinder the protection of Constantinople. The Kemalists are unlikely to prolong the negotiations, because they suspect the Allies wish to gain time to increase their reinforcements. They will probably make a counter-proposal for an immediate preliminary meeting, subject to tne Allies agreeing to suspend military movements. The Kemalists, while not admitting any obligation to cease their forward movement, will probably do so for a couple of days as a sign of goodwill.

Uneasiness is increasing. It is feared the Greeks will organise demonstrations. British military families are embarking to-day.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

THE ALLIED TERMS. REPORTED VIEWS OF KEMAL. CERTAIN DEMANDS MADE. Received Sept. 27, 1.20 a.m. Constantinople, Sept. 26. Hamed Bey informed the Daily Express correspondent that he favors the Allied terms, but he reiterated that the predetermined movements of the Kemalists must not be interfered with. Other reports state that Kemal rejected French occupation of Thrace and insists that the Greeks should evacuate it or the Turks will advance. He insists on fortifying the approaches to Constantinople.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE LEAGUE POWERLESS. WILL NOT INTERVENE. Received Sept. 26, 5.5 p.m. Geneva, Sept. 25. The political committee of the League agreed to ask the council to take steps to promote peace in the Near East without interfering with the pending conference and negotiations. This nullifies the proposal that the League should intervene, as Mr. W. M. Hughes (Australia) suggested. It also nullifies Mr. A. L. Fisher’s proposal on behalf of the British Government that the League snould intervene only when invited. Sir Joseph Cook and Sir Francis Bell assented with a view to securing unanimity, but Sir Joseph Cook thought the resolution tame and innocuous.— Aus.-N-Z. Cable Assn.

LEADER OF GREECE. M. VENIZELOS MAY RETURN. Received Sept. 26. 11.55 p.m. Paris, Sept. 26. The Greek correspondent of the Chicago Tribune telegraphs that Cabinet has invited M. Venizelos to return and *uide the nation in a non-Cabinet capacity. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. GREEKS OUT OF HAND. SERIOUS ATROCITIES REPORTED. Received Sept. 26, 11.55 p.m. London, Sept. 26. The Morning Post’s Constantinople correspondent states the Greek Thracian army is thoroughly disorganised and is committing serious atrocities, looting property, destroying and burning villages and apparently trying to exterminate the Moslem population. —Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. ANOTHER RUMOR. “GENERAL MOBILISATION.” AN OFFICIAL DENIAL. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. A persistent rumor was afloat to-day that in view of the situation in the Neer East there was to be a general mobilisation of New Zealand troops. The rumor was referred to the Minister of Defence, whose answer was that he had not issued orders for even a single man to be called up. GREECE AND THRACE. PLANS FOR PROTECTION. Receivd Sept. 26, 5.5 p.m. Athens, Sept. 25. The newspapers energetically demand the immediate reconstruction of the army for the protection of Thrace. The Nationil Assembly has been summoned for October 2. It is not expected the Greek Cabinet will last long.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE PARIS CONFERENCE. LORD CURZON PRAISED. London, Sept. 25. The British authorities pay a tribute to Lord Curzon’s work in Paris in securing simultaneously Allied unity and real control of the Straits by an international force controlled by the League of Nations. also the permanent Christian occupation of Gallipoli. Athens. Sept. 25. The French Minister handed over the Allies’ Note, which Cabinet lengthily discussed. The people are keenly disj appointed at the prospect of losing Thrace, which the newspapers indignantly refuse to countenance, demana- ■ ing that the army be immediately rei constructed for the protection of Thrace. I The National Assembly has been sum-' i moncd for October 2.

FUTURE OF GALLIPOLI. TWO INTERPRETATIONS OF NOTE. DANGER OF TURKISH RESTORATION. Received Sept. 26, 5.5 pan. London, Sept. 25. Some French newspapers, including Le Journal, state that French opinion is that Gallipoli is going to be given back to Turkey. Inquiries from authoritative sources in London show that French opinion is directly contrary to the British interpretation of the terms of the Note to Kemal, which suggests that important defence zones in the Dardanelles will be maintained in neutral hands under the League of Nations. The British opinion is that one of the main purposes of the clause is to preserve tho British and Anzac battlefields in Christian hands. The Daily Telegraph’s Geneva correspondent says the Allied Note caused a profound sensation in League circles, and the opinion is generally held that it will be a serious mistake to restore Turkish dominions in Europe. Such action will ultimately lead to renewed collision between the Turks and certain Balkan States. The Note is already regarded as a severe check to the British policy in the Near East. SITUATION EASIER. TURKS’ REASONABLE ATTITUDE. London, Sept. 25. The Times correspondent at Chanak reports that the general situation is easier. It is evident the Turke desire a peaceful solution of the neutral zone question. The Turkish commander withI drew at a request from the commanaer of the Dardanelles sector, repeating that he lied no desire to embroil Turkey with the British Empire. Small Turkish cavalry patrols still remain in the neutral zone, but the Turks show a genuine desire to be reasonable. Two additional British battalion? have arrived, with strong reinforcements of field artillery, also fighting and observation planes and mobile columns. This will ensure respect for the neutral boundary. The Turkish attitude towards the Greeks and Armenians is very correct, except at Bigha, where there have been minor excesses. Chanak has been cleared of practically all the inhabitants. The military have demolished several houses for defence purposes. MARTIAL LAW IN GREECE. Received Sept. 27, 1.20 a.m. Athens, Sept. 26. Martial law has been proclaimed througlout Greece.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. SOUTH AFRICAN ATTITUDE. NON-COMMITAL REPLY. Capetown, Sept. 25. A Pretoria message states that General Smuts, in reply to Mr. Lloyd George, expresses regret at the delay owing to his absence, and proceeds: “There seems to be no longer a call for the active intervention of the Union Government.” General Smuts appreciates the determination of the Imperial Government to maintain the freedom of the Dardanelles, which was one of the most beneficial results of the Great War 1 , but most sincerely trusts that the military intervention of the Empire will not be necessary.

“I believe the measures taken by the Imperial Government to saieguard the position in the Straits pending the meeting of the coming conference are adequate, and rejoice at the more favourable turn of events, which is largely due to the successful British diplomacy. So far as the Union is concerned, we could not undertake to participate in military operations in the East without calling Parliament together. I am relieved that the more reassuring information now in our possession renders such a step unnecessary.” General Smuts concluded: “In regard to peace in the Near East the Government ventures to express the opinion that the future regime for maintaining the freedom of the Straits should be placed under the League of Nations.” General Smuts trusts that such action will be approved by the coming conference. CARING FOR REFUGEES. Geneva, Sept. 25. Lord Balfour appealed to the League of Nations to succour starving Smyrna refugees. Britain is giving £50,000. Sir James Allen moved that delegates appeal to their respective Governments, asking for replies to-morrow. New Zealand was giving £lOOO. (Applause.) The motion was carried. It is announced that the refugees number 200,000. M. Ador (Switzerland) announced that the International Red Cross Committee on Saturday had sent delegates to Smyrna and Brusa to distribute relief. Anohter delegate had gone to Greece to investigate. Dr. Nansen said the Russian relief organisation would do its utmost to assist. It is announced that the Bulgarian Government is ready to undertake the transport of refugees from Smyrna to a neighboring island. The assistant high commissioner of Russian relief is proceeding to Smyrna to study the situation. J.ABOR CRITICISM. London, Sept. 25. Mr. Clynes, in a speech at Bridport, said the silence imposed on the Labour deputation to the Premier had enabled sections of the press to say that Labour was so much in agreement with the Government that nothing was to be said to embarrass it. He did not share that view. Labour must not be taken as sharing the responsibility of what was done or proposed. The Government was responsible for the policy which had brought the country to the brink of war on a question which had arisen owing only to continued blunders in regard to th P peace settlements. He declared that Mr. Lloyd George signalled to the ends of the earth appealing for men from the Dominions to fight before really pacific measures had been tried.