THE HEAR EAST.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 December 1922, Page 5

THE HEAR EAST.

THE FATE OF MINORITIES.

QUESTION OF PROTECTION. TURKS AGAIN DISAGREE. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Dee. 13, 9.15 p.m. Lausanne, Dec 12. Lord Curzon, presiding over the first commission, invited the conference to approach the question of protecting minorities. He pointed out that if Christian minorities must be protected the Moslem minorities in Europe were also entitled to protection. The League of Nations would provide guarantees to supervise the execution of the agreement. Turkey had already accepted the .basic principle of the rights of minorities.

Mr. Child (America) demanded that the conference should not separate before finding refuge for all minorities in the Near East. They must be given the guarantees necessary for their full development, and, if possible, be given a national hearth as promised by the Sevres Treaty. America believed the ends to be sought were preventive rather than mere succour to the existing misery. America would continue to help minorities. Ismet Pasha, replying to Lord Curzon, objected to a guarantee by the League of Nations, as the Powers would continue interference with Turkey and incite the minorities to appeal to the League. He demanded the exclusion of all foreign interference in Turkey. While demanding the exchange of populations he assured the conference that any community staying in Turkey would be assured security through Turkey’s goodwill and sense of justice. Finally, he demanded mass emigration.

Lord Curzon replied that an exchange of population was impossible. Whatever exchange occurred the minorities must remain. Ismet Pashas speech would cause disappointment throughout the world He would wait till to-mor-row for a further Turkish reply to the Allied proposals. Ismet Pasha promised he would make a detailed reply.—Aus.-'N.Z. Cable Association. POPULATION EXCHANGES. RUSSIANS THREAT TO LEAVE. Received Dec. 13, 7.20 p.m. Lausanne, Dec. 12. The Turks have agreed that they will not insist, on the total expulsion of Greeks from Constantinople, but several religious restrictions will be imposed on those remaining. Three hundred thousand Turks will leave Macedonia, and as a compromise 124,000 Turks will be allowed to stay in Western Thrace. It is generally expected an agreement will be reached regarding the exchange of populations. Owing to the Allied proposals having increased the number of warships allowed to enter the Black Sea, the Russians say they will not accept, and threaten to leave the conference.—Aus.‘ N.Z. Cable Assn.