NEAR EAST.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 December 1922, Page 6

NEAR EAST.

■PROBLEM OF THE STRAITS. AMERICA DEMANDS FREEDOM. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received December 7, 5.5 p.m. Lausanne, Dec. 6. . Mr. Child (the United States Observer) caused a sensation at to-day’s meeting by demanding full freedom of the Straits for American merchantmen and warships, stating the United States desired to be able to send ships anywhere in the world where her citizens were domiciled.

Lord Curzon, who spoke first, analysed M. Tchitcherin’s claim on behalf of Russia for equality of treatment and security of commerce for the Straits. He expressed the opinion that Russia was thereby claiming a favored position and he appealed to the riparian powers to say whether the Russian proposals could be regarded as a proper solution as effecting their interests. If nobody was allowed access to the privileged zone Russia would be in. a special position for converting the Black Sea into a Russian lake, with Turkey as a faithful guardian of the Straits. Paris, Dec. 5. The admission of the Russians to the Lausanne Conference has created a new factor, in the question of the ratification of the Treaty of Washington. The treaty does not limit the naval armament of Russia. If the Straits question is decided contrary to Russia’s desires Russia will be at liberty to increase her naval strength. If she does it is possible that other Powers will seize the pretext and declare that it is a brach of the Washington agreement.

The Temps suggests that the treaty should be ratified with reservations enabling the Powers to modify their programme in accordance with the new power or else scrap the Washington agreement and negotiate a wider treaty to include Russia.

Lord Curzon said Tchitcherin was opposed to other powers entering the Straits, doubtless owing to the preponderance of the British, but he was content to have a similar preponderance in the Black Sea, providing it was Russian.

The Allies’ proposals fell under two heads. Firstly, the regulation of the passage of merchantmen and warships; secondly, the creation of demilitarised zones on the shores of the Straits. Certain factors must be borne in mind in order to secure a lasting solution. In war time, Turkey, being neutral, would have the free passage for warships, subject to the same limitation as during peace time regarding numbers, but when Turkey was a belligerent there would be complete freedom for neutral warships, subject to the same limitation.

THE VISA QUESTION.

A FRUITLESS CONFERENCE. IMPROVED RUSSIAN TONE. Received Dec. 7, 5.5 p.m. London, Dec. 6. The Daily Telegraph’s Constantinople correspondent states that a day-long conference took place between the Allied generals and Rafet. They discussed the Turks’ refusal to allow Ottoman Armenians and Greeks to eave without Turkish visas, but the conference proved abortive. The Turks are viewing the Lausanne proceedings unfavorably and adopting a policy of pinpricks. The Turkish police seized the Bourse, in consequence of Turkish members’ refusal to pay £Bl each. M. Tchitcherin said he desired to reply to Lord Curzon in detail later, but was ready to make some general remarks. The Russians were for full Turkish sovereignty, and considered that a system of international control always brought international rivalry. Lord Curzon replied that he was glad to hear Russia was peacefully inclined, and of her solicitation for the general rights of peoples. This obviously meant that the greater part of Tchitcherin’s proposals of two days ago Would tbe torn.

ALLIES’ GENERAL POLICY.

Paris, Dec. 6. The Matin’s Lausanne correspondent states that the idea is more widely accepted that the London Conference will decide the general policy of the Allies and the general character of the Entente. Turkey will certainly wait till after the conference before making any reply differing materially from .the views emanating from Moscow. There are certain manoeuvres and evasions that Turkey assuredly will not employ if the Allies are united, but on the contrary, she will try if the Allies are divided, not only for the capital question * <*»f the Straits, but for every other question. Therefore the Entente iti essential. Lausanne, Dec. G.

Lord Curzon is completely satisfied with the Allied discussions. M. Barrere remarked that it was an excellent day for the Entente. The Balkan representatives are equally satisfied. The Allied- policy regarding the Straits provides for administration by an international commission of control, including delegates of the Allies, Black Sea States, Russia and Bulgaria. The Allies will insist that the Turks explain their policy in order to find a basis for an understanding. Mr. Child, American observer at the conference,. informed Ismet Pasha that the American, viewpoint favors the complete .opening of the Straits to merchantmen, with restrictions on the passage of warships. # Ismet denies that the position oi Christians in Constantinople causes anxiety. He declares that the reports relative to the insecurity of the Greeks are Greek manoeuvres designed to influence the negotiations for the exchange of Turkish and Greek popula- • tions. HOMES FOR REFUGEES. Received Dec. 7, 5.5 p.m. London, Dec. 6. Mr. Buxton, in the House of Commons, asked whether the Government would invite the 1 co-operation of the Dominions to proride facilities for nonTurkish refugees from Asia Minor settling overseas. Mr. Bonar Law said enquiries were being made on the subject.