IN THE ZONE.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 September 1922, Page 5

IN THE ZONE.

THE TURKS REINFORCED. FURTHER ADVANCE. THREAT OF INCIDENT, Assn.—Copyright. London, Sept. 27. A Reuter message from Constantinople says that General Harington has received a reply from Kemal, concurring in the Allies* desire to avoid incidents, but evading the question of withdrawal, disclaiming knowledge of any neutral zone and complaining that the British had destroyed buildings and roads. British forces already in the Near East include over 30,000 troops, six Dreadnoughts, seven battle-cruisers, 20 destroyers, several submarines, and giant air carriers. Received Sept. 29, 12.50 a.m. Constantinople, Sept. 27. Turkish cavalry from Erenkeuy has been reinforced and is advancing northeast upon Asmalitepe, apparently in order to cut off the British advanced post at Kepez. A British column with artillery has left Chanak to counter the threat. General Harington, in a conciliatory reply to Kemal Pasha, thanks him for his declaration that he will respect the neutrality of the Straits and his desire to avoid incidents. He points out the destruction of buildings and roads was carried out as a military necessity. General Harington assures Kemal that no shot will be fired except by General Herington’s orders. He expresses readiness to meet Kemal anywhere it is convenient to discuss an understanding.

ATTITUDE OF RUSSIA. WANTS TO ATTEND CONFERENCE. Received Sept. 28, 5.5 p.m. London, Sept. 27. A Soviet Note has been received by the ' Foreign Office, asking that Russia, Georgia, and the Ukraine shall participate in the Near East conference. The Note says none ( of the Western Powers are taking steps to prevent war. The key to the Near East question is the effective restoration of Turkish sovereignty and Turkish lands, especially the Straits and Constantinople. The Note alleges that the Western Powers, of which Britain is the most obstinate, refuse to restore the Turks to their territory and the Straits, ostensibly for the sake of the preservation of the Saraits, but really because they wish to keep the Straits under their own control. Russia will recognise no decision in regard to the Straits in which she has not participated and which ignores her interests. —Reuter Sexrice. GREEK WARSHIPS. URGED TO LEAVE BOSPHORUS. Received Sept. 28, 5.5 p.m. London, Sept. 27. The Constantinople correspondent of The Times states the Greek warships Averoff and Velios are still in the Bosphorus. The Allies’ High Commissioners are urging their withdrawal, as their presence is calculated to have a provocative effect. The Averoff is taking off the Greek military mission from Constantinople. The first destroyer flotilla from the Atlantic Fleet has arrived to help calm the nervousness in the city.—Times. GREEK REFUGEES. DIFFICULTY OF TRANSPORT. Received Sept. 28, 5.5 p.m. Athens, Sept. 27. The Times* correspondent telegraphs:— “There are still over a hundred thousand refugees awaiting evacuation, and it is hard ! to see how Greece will cope alone with the sudden drain on her resources. A small British tramp steamer in which I left Smyrna on September 22 carried 4000. On arrival at Mitylene, we were informe .1 that it was impossible to provide for the passengers, as 77,000 had previously arrived. When we tried to disembark at Chios we were forbidden, on the ground that cholera had broken out. As the captain had express orders to land 150 British refugees, j and as the supplies of bread and water were ■ virtually exhausted, he came on to Athens. ; Ultimately we disembarked on September 25.” —Times’ Service. VIEWS OF DOMINIONS. DELEGATES AT THE CONFERENCE. Received Sept. 28, 5.5 p.m. London, Sept. 27. It is understood the British Government has not yet received any request from Australia and New Zealand seeking special representation at the Near East conference, but in view of their special interest in Gallipoli, if such a request is made it is certain to be granted. A similar privilege would then probably be offered India and all the Dominions.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ACTION BY AMERICA. DESTROYERS FOR CONSTANTINOPLE. Received Sept. 28, 5.5 p.m. Washington, Sept. 27. The Navy Department has announced that 12 United States destroyers have been ordered to proceed from Norfolk, Virginia, to Constantinople, pursuant to a request by Admiral Bristol. The department pointed out that the flotilla would protect United States’ interests and furnish supplies to refugees, but this did not indicate military participation.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. POPE APPEALS FOR PEACE. Received Sept. 29, 12.50 a.m. Rome, Sept. 27. The Pope has telegraphed to Kemal hoping for a speedy conclusion of peace and urging him to avert further bloodshed. STATEMENT BY THE’PREMIER. NEWS PROMISES PEACE. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. In the House to-day, the Premier announced that he ha<| deceived an unofficial message to the effect that Kemal Pasha had agreed to a conference, which, he said, I looked more like peace than anv news they ’ had had for soma day*.