THE NEAR EAST.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 December 1922, Page 5

THE NEAR EAST.

PROBLEM OF THE STRAITS. TURKS GIVE THEIR VIEWS., FACTOR IN DEFENCE. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Dec. 9, 5.5 p.m. Lausanne, Dec. 8. Ismet Pasha, addressing the Straits Committee, drew attention to the fact that the Turks had been masters of the Straits for five centuries, and its defence meant the defence of Constantinople, the Sea of Marmora, and Thrace. Emphasising the danger of demilitarisation, he said Turkey was prepared to recognise the liberty and right of passage of merchantmen, which should be controlled by an international committee. The strength of naval forces in the Black Sea should be limited, wlffle maintenance of a war fleet there should be forbidden in the event of Turkey being at war. M. Tchitcherin followed, emphasising the previously outlined Russian viewpoint. He reserved the right to reply to Ismet Pasha later. Russia required to maintain a small war fleet in the Black Sea. M. Tchitcherin warned Roumania not to take Greece’s part and become Britain’s tool.

The Czecho-Slovakian, Bulgarian ana Roumanian delegates announced their acceptance of the Allies’ plan.

Lord Curzon intimated that he desired to confer with the inviting Powers before replying to Ismet. The conference is expected to adjourn on December 23 till January 2, out sub-committees will sit throughout.

AN OPTIMISTIC FEELING. TURKS’ REPLY TO ALLIES. Received Dec. 9, 5.5 p.m. Lausanne, Dec. 8. The Turks replied to the Allied proposals at to-day’s sitting. They asked for further information regarding the Allied points, which Lord Curzon promised to furnish in the afternoon. An optimistic feeling prevails. Received Dec, 10, 5.5 p.m. Lausanne, Dec. 8. There is a tendency on the part of the Allies and the Turks to explain the points not understood, leaving thorny military problems to private discussion by the experts of various countries. The Turks’ demands include the right to fortify Gallipoli against a surprise attack. Lord Curzon later said an agreement appeared to have been reached on nearly all the points. DESPATCH OF REFUGEES. Received Dec. 9, 5.5 p.m. Constantinople, Dec. 8. The refusal of the Kemalists to permit Greek ships to be used by reingees resulted in a decision to employ British ships, which will carry refugees to Constantinople, where Christians will be transhipped to Greek ships and conveyed to Greece. The Americans provided destroyers to act as observers near the ports. The first British vessel has already gone to Samsoun.