The Daily News. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1922. THE EX-SULTAN’S FLIGHT.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 November 1922, Page 4

The Daily News. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1922. THE EX-SULTAN’S FLIGHT.

There is something truly pathetic in Mr. Ward Price’s description of the flight of the ex-Sultan of Turkey from Constantinople, and his taking shelter under the 'British flag. Having been deposed by the Angora Government, the Sultan was evidently in no doubt as to what his fate [would be if he remained in the country over which he had ruled for a very few years. Turkish history abounds with instances of deposed rulers, sometimes to re-app'ear and again seize power, but more often to suffer a sudden end to their existence. Mr.' Price describes the ex-Sultan as the last of the long line of once powerful autocrats. That, however, does not mean there will be no successor, for it is extremely likely another bid will be made before long fot the Sultanate, even though the Angora Government has already elected a Caliph, thus separating for the time being the two titles which had previously been held by the head of the State. Certainly the ex-Sultan had nothing but trouble to look forward to had he remained in Constantinople, but it is not difficult to imagine his feelings on having to be smuggled away from his palace and placed on board a British warship for conveyance to Malta. No doubt he recognises his good fortune in being able to escape from those of his late subjects who regard him as a traitor, and were prepared to deal with him accordingly. It is reported that the Angora Assembly will im - mediately elect a successor, the heir presumptive being mentioned as the most likely candidate, especially as it would soothe Moslem feeling. It is fairly certain, however, that if the Kemalists are induced to go to the length Of restoring the Sultanate —which is doubtful—they may be relied upon to make the holder of the office a mere figure-head, taking the act,; nal Government into their own hands and relying on the title of Caliph to satisfy Islam scruples. Although the ex-Sultan’s flight marks another step in Near East affairs, it is not at all likely to add to the bitterness of the extremists of Kemal’s party. The ex-Sultan is the last of the crowned heads arrayed against the Allies in the Great War to have to flee for his life. At best he cut a very sorry figure, and as everything is being done for his comfort at Malta, he should be able to spend the remainder of his -days in peace, but there is no knowing what the future has in store for him. For the present he is no longer in the Near East picture. A serious phase of the situation is the plight of the Christian community and the Greek refugees, on whose behalf a. stirring appeal is made by Dr. Birch, International Commissioner of the Near East Relief Federation. Kemal Pasha having decreed the expulsion of all Christians from Asia Minor before the end of the year, it is painfully clear that funds and clothing will be urgently needed for the refugees, besides transport. It is not at all unlikely that the fact of -a Christian Power giving protection to the exSultan will act as a stimulative m harsh measures by the Turks, but the proposal that some ten thousand Armenian and Greek immigrants between the ages of t° u / teen and sixteen should be adopted by the Dominions is a matter for very serious consideration, and it would seem that some other solution of the problem is reouired Certainly these refugees will need protection and sustenance,, but to dump them into the Dominions might lead to considerable trouble.