THE NEAR EAST.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 October 1922, Page 5

THE NEAR EAST.

FREEDOM OF THE STRAITS. ATTITUDE OF RUSSIA. By Telegraph.—Press Assn— Copyright. Received October 25, 8.5 p.m. Moscow, Oct. 25. The semi-official paper Isvestia declares the British interpretation of the freedom of the Straits meana freedom for the League of Nations. It is clear the second peace conference will merely discuss what kind of chains are to be forged to bind Russia and Turkey. Turkey’s position resulting from the first conference will determine the fate of the Straits. Russia desires to defend her own interests and if Britain does not care for Russia’s interests Russia is not anxious politely to cloak the fact. GREEKS AND GALLIPOLI. Paris, Oct. 24. It is understood the Kemalist Government have made representation to the High Commissioners at Constantinople urging the evacuation of Gallipoli by the Greek civil authorities, and the substitution of Turkish officials for the Greek administration in that territory. A Constantinople communique states the evacuation of the Greek army is continuing according to programme.

ITALY; AND CONFERENCE. Paris, Oct. 24. Count Sforza, interviewed M. Poincare regarding the Near Eastern Conference. France and Italy agreed on a date and programme, but Italy requests that the conference shall be held in Italy. Count Sforza suggested that a representative of Russia be allowed to sign the protocol wthout according de jure recognition to the Soviet Government.