WAR ON GREEKS.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 October 1922, Page 5

WAR ON GREEKS.

KEMAL TO FIGHT ON, LIBERATION OF THRACE. TURKS READY TO ACT. AVOIDING NEUTRAL ZONES. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received October 2, 8.25 p.m. London, October 1. The Paris correspondent of the Morning Post, discussing the Near East situation, says the highest political authority declares that whatever the result of the negotiations with the Kemalists the situation in Thrace causes anxiety. France did not believe the Greeks would defend the territory against the Turks, but thought that if compelled to evacuate the Greeks would fire the country when it was impossible to prevent Kemal crossing the Straits. A correspondent of the Figaro interviewed Kemal, who declared he would continue the efforts until all Turkish territory was liberated, including Constantinople, Thrace, Anatolia, Mosul and half Mesopotamia. Asked if he did not fear a conflict with Britain, he replied that he was not fighting the British our the Greeks. Kemal said he could proceed to Thrace via Scutari and the Black Sea. He has sufficient transports to land the best troops in Thrace in twenty-four hours, and he was only awaiting orders from the Sultan, who is an unimportant puppet. Other reports declare Kemal has accepted the Soviet offer of all necessary sea transport for troops, which would be conveyed by a route avoiding the neutral zone and the British Fleet.

The correspondent, Mr. M. Donohoe, at Constantinople, says Kemalist circles are following with deep interest the overthrow of ex-King Constantine. The National newspapers are unable to conceal their uneasiness, and fear that the dilatory tactics of Kemal may end in losing the temporary advantage which resulted from the victories in Anatolia. The Kemalists consider the coming back of M. Venizelos forebodes no good to their cause. For one thing, the Powers make a paper offer of Thrace, but will they expel the Greeks? He adds: “I learn Kemal will assuredly demand that the Allies should enforce Greek evacuation of Thrace and its occupation by Nationalist troops as a preliminary condition to the peace conference. Irregular bands of Turks are now operating in Thrace on a plea of protecting oppressed Moslems, so the public may expect to hear of the usual outrages and counter outrages. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. NEW KING’S VIEWS. THE CHANGE SUPPORTED. ' Received Oct. 2, 8.25 p.m. Athens, Oct. 1. The King, replying to the revolutionary committee, congratulated them on the success of the movement. He expressed the conviction that their objects were absolutely sincere and would result brilliantly for the national cause. ExKing Constantine would not attempt to recover the throne. The King considered the change of the Crown Was definite and irrevocable and ex-King Constantine shared that opinion.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. OBJECT OF THE RISING. RETENTION OF THRACE. Athens, October 1. A semi-official statement states that the object of the revolution is to bring Greece back within the Allied family circle. All political and military authorities suspected of pro-Germanism, or who are otherwise opposed to the Allies, are being ruthlessly removed. General Gonatas has issued a manifesto stating that the revolution has been proclaimed in order to retain Thrace. He aims at a solid reorganisation of the military forces and the cessation of vague discords.

M. VENIZELOS’ RETURN. APPOINTED AS AMBASSADOR. THE NEW CABINET. Athens, October 1. It is understood that M. Venizelos has been asked to return, but awaits further developments. A Cabinet has been formed as follows: —Premier, M. Zaimis; Foreign Office, M. Politis; War, M. Caralambis; Navy, M. Papmehristou. The Revolutionary Committee still controls the city. Ex-King Constantine and his family have gone to Palermo. All those arrested in connection with Greece’s misfortune will be kept in custody till the National Assembly has decided on the procedure. The existing Assembly has been declared dissolved, and an election will be held in November. The first act of the new Cabinet was •to request the revolutionaries to suspend their military committee, the Cabinet promising in return to reconstitute the army and take steps to defend Thrace. The revolutionary committee, congratulating the King, said he ascended the throne at a moment when the country was divided, but the country would overcome the faults of the past and defend, the interests of the nation with a view to realising the aspirations of the people. . The members of the Cabinet, m addition to those already cabled, are: —M Zavitzanos, Treasury; M. George Rhallis, Post and Telegraphs; M. Christomanos, Agriculture. London, October 1.

M. Venizelos has accepted the duty of directing national questions abroad. He will act as Greek Ambassador abroad.