1922-09-25 — Page 5

THE NEAR

THE HONGKONG `DAILY PRESS, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25TH, 1923.

EAST CRISIS RELIEVED.

ALLIED PROPOSALS TO THE

KEMALISTS.

CONDITIONAL OFFER OF TURKISH SOVEREIGNITY"

OVER THE STRAITS.

PROPOSALS APPARENTLY SATISFACTORY' TO TURKEY.

LATEST CABLES.

(TIROTOR KÄLTERÍS AGENCY,

THE NEAR EASTERN

SITUATION.

FRENCH PRECAUTIONS AT

STAMBOUL.

Constantinople, September 2ird. The French Commander bay informed

the British authoriti thean the maintenance of onder in

sur

BULGARIA FAVOURS FREEDOM OF THE STRAITS.

LONDON, September ed. Bulgaria has deliverind identieni Notes in. London, Paris and Róme, upholding the freedom of the Straits and advocating

In

BRITISH DESTROYER COLLIDES

AND SINKS

CONSTANTINOPLs, September 23rd, The British destroyer - Speedy saak ju sevga minutes in the Sea of Marmora a the result of a collision with a Dutch trawler.

Ten of the crew of the Sperdy were drowned and 57 resćuéd,

EARLIER CABLES,

AUTHORITATIVE STATEMENT OF BRITISH POLICY,

REPORTED KEMALIST NEIZUEK OF

DARDANELLES TOWN.

tion of which en

be eutertained, is ]

REVISION OF THE TREATY

OF SEVRES.

The British Government, however, did FAR not go back on anything it has said about Constantinople remaining Turkish, nor of putting up any fight regarding sovereignty of Eastern Thrace

BETTER SECURITE THAN IN 1914.

Concluding, the Primier stressed that not departing from the Britain was

greed policy of the Allies, enunciated in 1918 He recalled that the proposals for the protection of minorities by Mandates brokadown but the Straits romained."

LONDON Septemler 2nd. Official circles in London discount the statement attributed to Kemalist circles in Constantinople (that the Turks demand settlement of the question of Turaco in their favour). They opine that direct official news from responsible Turkish Min- isters must be awaited. Meanwhile there is a feeling of confidence in the result of the moderating influence of the French

He added, "The fight we are putting upon the Konialists. The Star lenrus that Britain is prepared to crucole generous up. presently, is to ensure that, whatever terms to the Turks, and tongree to a drastic happens at the Pence Conference, we shall not abandon the policy of securing the rovision of the Treaty of Sevres..

freedom of the Straits. By that I do ao AMERICAN ARRANGEMENTS FOR mean clauses depending on the caprice of

emergency."

EVACUATION.

CONFERENCE.

47

EASTERN CABLE

NEWS.

(THROUGH: BELTIR'S AGENCY.]

THE OPIUM DEBATE IN THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

CHINESE DELEGATION'S APPEAL.

London, September 'abril.

A special message amplification of the

opium debate in the Assembly of the League of Nations at Gegera, reported in Thursday's paper, states that Chaon Hain Chu said that the Chinese delegation had

Constantinople Government The security been instructed by its Government to must be more reliable and more effective appeal to the League for immediate steps in character than in 1914. That was

to be taken to put a stop to the smuggling why Britnin nd taken the steps she had and would do her best to secure no im- of morphia into China; also, through the Assembly, to appeal to those countries medinte Conference.

New York, September 22nd. A message, from Constantinople states LONDON September 22nd. that several American organisations in Reuter has received an authoritative the Near East, including the Standard Oil Company, are arranging to withdraw statement of the British attitude concerning their employ, if necessary. There are the establishment of an autonomous state the Near East, which declares that Britain about five hundred Americans in Con- Thrace under control of the Lengua ofis seeking nothing for herself and is pursuing stantinople. Admiral Bristol is arrang- Nations, with special arrangements for no short-sighted policy based upon 'amour for their sety in the event of au safeguarding religious interesa

in preprs. Her prere interest, no modificn- KEMALISTS WAITING ON PARIS Adrianople, Stambol in the event of trouble at TURKEY INVITED TO THE ALLIED neutralisation of the Straits, with full CONFERENCE

guarantee of free navigation for all countries stantinople Fretch whippet "Cake}

Paris, September Zird. have Jen brought to a central runtagi

under the League of Nations or other As the mutcome of the Near Eastern effective international organisation. All point, near Seraglio Point and the Freure Conference, Great Brisain, France, and other matters are secondary and subject Currie Start Time Cheaty have jointly invited Turkey to the to peaceful Recommuxlation between Turkey

Conference, promising to recognise the and the States more directly concerned. Maritza frontier, including Adrianople) and Turkish sovereignty over the Straits, While the Government is completing subject to guarantees as to their non-naral, military, and air measures to safe- |trality.

guard the neutrality of the Straits and covering positions, it in no way desires to precipitate hostilitios. War will never come from the British side, but is only possible if Kerialist forces attack positions occupied by the Allies at the Armistice and held consistently as neutral territory throughout Graco-Turkish hostilities. The situation therefore, is in Kemal's hauda, but there FREEDOM OF AN ESSENTIAL WATER Pressmen at Downing Stret (which lasted

THE APPEAL TO THE DOMINIONS. manufacturing morphin not to allow such Mr. Lloyd George said the reason the harmful drugs to be freely exported from Government made in appeal to Australia any country as these might finally be and New Zealand, particularly, was be smuggled into "China. They sincerely cause those Dominions had a special in-

terest in Gallipoli where they had made hoped that the system of export and im great sacrifices of thousands of their, most port/certificates would prove a remedy heroic sous in the cause of the freedom of for smuggling. PARIS, September 22nd. the Straits. The Government felt, when A message from Adana saya it is stated that freedom was challenged, that Aus- in Nationalist circles that the Kemalists tralia and New Zealand had a right to intend to avoid measures of force nut associate themselves with Britain in any they learn the result of the Paris Cun-action to maintain what cast, so much to ferones, but Ta the event of failure to achieve. reach a satisfactory solution thereat, mili-BRITAIN NOT SEEKING A "SECOND tary action will become inevitable.

"thened by a battalion from Cha taljá.

The French Government has sent wireless in ssage to Mustapha, regursting him not in take action until the arrival of its special emissary, who left Paris yesterday for Smyrna BRITISH NAVAL CONCENTRATION

IN THE STRAITS.

Loxtos. Septender Bird.

eight 13 inch guns.

The foregoing is conditional that the Turks do not cress the nentral zone.

The invitation suggests a meeting at Venice or elsewhere, with Plenipotentiales fran the British Empire, France, Italy, Japan, Romania, Jugo-Slavis. Grier and Turkey as soon as possible, in order to It is stated this the British Naval force conclude a definite Peace Treaty between concentrated in the Straits will shortly The latter are willing to support the Kemal will choose to apply force of arms the Turks, Greeks and the Allied power is at present no reason for supposing that nclude 'at least seven capital ships, allocation already mentioned of the fron- mounting altogether sixty 1 inch anders, to Turkey, it being understood that questions which can be settled by con mensures will be commonly agreed on to ferences There is no secret about the saleguard the interests of Turkey and strength of the Turkish forces, and no ANOTHER RUSSIAN NOTE her neighbours. and to demilitarise weight is attached to exaggerated alarmist Following the Itnssian Nots of Sep in order to ensure the peaceable and TURKISH AND BRITISH MILITARY

certain zones which shall be determined, estimates of what she can put in the field."

4th, another Som has been addressed to regular establishment of authority and

finally the Allies which says Russia cannot connuspices of the League of Nations, the

assure efficaciously under

ACTIVITY.

sent to the Straits being opened to the freedom of the Dardanells, - Dica

CONSTANTINOPLE, September 22nd. Batleships of any country, to British Marmora and the Bosphorus, also the seized the town of Ezine, on the Asiatic It is reported that the Kemalists have control of the Straits against the wishes protection of racial and religious minor-side of the Dardanelles, and are threaten- of the powers possessing. Vital interests in lities, The threw Governments will also The Black Sen, who should have the support Turkey's admission to the League ing Kuukale, an important key position to right to decide the fate of the Straits, and repeat their promise to rave Con- the Dardanelles. Russia ennnot recognise my new regimestantinople when the treaty becomes

It is also reported that the Kemalists which runy be established withinit con-effective,

are bringing up their big Skoda batteries; altation of Russia.

while British aeroplanes we flying over IS CONSTANTINOPLE THE OBJEC

TENSION LESSENS AS TIME PASSES.

LONDON, September 23rd.

the

of

GREEK LANE OF WITHDRAWAL TO

BE FIXED...

Prior to the Conference, the Allies will

use. Their indience to effect, the with.. Despite the dangerous concentration of drawat of the Greeks to a line fixed by Kemalist forces in the direction of the agreement between the Allied Generals

the Nationalist lines.

TIVE OF CONCENTRATION ?

ILTER.

Btraits, coincident with the assembly of and the Ture-Greeks. A meeting for Reliable reports of a serious concentra- the growingly powerful British naval that purpose should be held at Mudanin tion of Kemalists at Ismid, whither Mus- and military forces, there is a disor ismid between the allies and Mustapha tapha Kemal personally is proceeding, has tinct lessening of the tension. her, Kemal. The invitation concludes by ex-given rise to the belief that the Kemalists 28 time passes without a clash and the pressing the conviction that the Allies will make Constantinople their objective diplomatic forces of the Allies focus will be able to co-operate with Turkey, sing all thir energies ou a peaceful solu like an ally, in the re-establishment of tion. The French are redoubling their efforts to prevent imprudence on the part of the Kemalists and are sending M. Bouillon, the negotiator of the Franco- Angora Treaty, aboard a fast destroyer in order to use his influence with the Kemalist leaders.

ALLIES RESUME DISCUSSIONS, Yesterday's resumed discussions at Paris between Lord Curzon, M. Poincare and Bignor Sforza, which lasted four hours, centred on the nature of the invitation Lo Angora, the Franco-Italians endeavour ing to embody therein assurances regard ing Thrnce, Adrianople and Constantin

ple, while Lord Curzon thought any molification of the Treaty of Sevres should only be formulated at a peace conference. The Allies will probably send separate Notes if a collective Note is not agreed on to-day.

It is expected that the Turks will be invited to the preliminary conference at Mudania, with a view to an Armistice.

FRENCH INTENTIONS. Judging by Paris semi-official state ments, the French contemplate fully res toring Constantinople to the Turks also withdrawing Allied troops, but placing Thrace under Turkish Sovereignty, with the League of Nations administering it, similarly to Sarre, while the Straits will be demilitarised with central safeguards. A CONFERENCE OF CANADIAN POLITICAL LEADERS.

peace.

FEELINGS OF RELIEF IN LONDON

AND PARIS..

A deep sigh of relief was heaved in London and Paris after Thursday's an nouncement that concord had been reach ed between the Allies, and a united Note sent to Angora instead of a series of separate notes, as appeared probable.

This decided change in the situation for the better was not anticipated and only une at the conclusion of a strenuous day's deliberations on the part of Lord Curzon, M. Poincare and Signor Sforza, CONDITIONS ACCEPTABLE TO

TURKS.

PAB18, September 23rd. Reuter's are authoritatively informed that their French correspondent learns that the conditions are very acceptable to Turkey.

instead of Chanak, inasmuch as larger supplies are available in the Ismid region, while the hostile population of Constan- tinople might cause trouble in their Nevertheless, a more optimistic tone the successful outcome of the Pelle-Kemal generally prevails, based upon reports of conversations. The Kemalist forces on the Chanak froutier have not committed any overt act of hostility, but their numbers are increasing.

CONFERENCE IN PARIS.

Pants, September 22nd. To-day's Near East conference' was centred upon the form of invitation to be sent to the Turks, especially as to whether territorial negotiations, notably regarding Thrace, should be mentionel therein.

Marquia Curzon afterwards declared that deliberations would continue to-morTOW afternoon, is much remained to be discussed, and M. Poincare wished to consult the Cabinet before meeting again.

He has gathered the impression from Ottoman Circles that Angora is satisfied,

DE. NANSEN ADVISES LEAGUE with the contemplated substantial modi-

- MEDIATION. fications of the Treaty of Sevres.

The e new peace treaty proposed in the Allied Note will probably settle both the Turco-

GENETA, September 22nd. Greco conflict and the Turco-Allied war. Nations' mediation in Asia Minor, Dr. Developing the proposal for the League of In the latter instance, being a substitute Nansen stressed the accessity of popid action, for the Treaty of Sevres, it is anticipated and suggested that the Council get inte com- that all the nations concerned will be munication with the Power, when, if they satisfied with the new proposals, except spoke with the present unanimity, they the Greeks, whose aspirations after terri-would have strong moral authority. Eo torial expansion will be frustrated further suggested summoning the two belligerents upon, a footing of absolute equality to a conference under the auspices of the League.

Sir William Cook thought Dr. Nansen's resolution too moderate and wished it to be worded in a more energetic form.

TRIBUTE TO LORD CURZON. OTTAWA, September 23rd. The National Progressive Lender has

Tribute is particularly lavished on Lord been summoned to confer with the Pre-Carzon at Paris, to whose sincere desire mier, and Mr. W. G. Mackenzie King to avoid war Premier Poincare strongly (Leader of the Opposition). The latter testified after the conference. Announces that his personal view is that a promise to send or the actual despatch •

of Canadian" troops to the Near East

should be decided by Parliament.

·CANADIAN GOVERNMENT

CRITICISED.

TURKISH CAVALRY IN NEUTRAL'

AREA

CONSTANTINOPLE, September gath. A strong force of Kemalist cavalry crossed the neutral frontier of the Chanak region, near the village of Erenkeuy. yesterday, within gunshot of the British

LATEST CADIES.

192

WORLD'S PRESS AT DOWN

ING STREET. -'

MR. LLOYD GEORGE EXPLAINS BRITAIN'S POSITION IN THE NEAR, EAST,

WAY NEST BE SECURED.

GIBRALTAR,”

Replying to a questioner, Mr. Lloyd Gcorge reiterated, emphatically, that Britain did not want a second Gibraltar at the Dardanelles, but wanted the League of Nations to keep the Straits open for all nations.

V

A REPLY TO CANADIAN CRITICISM.

MB. LLOYD GEORGE INTERVIEWED BY REUTER.

RUSSO JAPANESE CONFERENCE,

JAPANESE ATTITUDE DEFINED.

Toxso, September 24th.

\}

STILL PROCEEDING,

It is learned from a reliable source that the Cabinet has justructed delegates to the Conference at Chang Chun that the first Agreement must apply to Chita only, and become effective immediately on signatur, The Nikolajevsk affair and the occupation of Saghalien are declared to be so closely connected that they cannot be discussed separately. Japan will be prepared to the Chita Agreement has been concluded. discuss the evacuation of Saghalien after

If the Russians insist on discussing Sag- halien at the present Conference, Japan application that the prohibition of pro- Mr. Lloyd George, after the address to will withdraw. Japan agrees to the fifty minutes) apoke specially to Reuter's paganda and hostile movements be extend- representative on the subject of the Domined to Soviet Russia. LONDON, September 'gard.

ions notably Canadian--criticisms of the Mr. Lloyd George, addressing Press T-method of publicity used by the British DISCUSSION OF NICOLAEVSK AFFAIR presentatives at Downing Street, said he Governint. Mr. Lloyd George, as re- wished to explain the facts of the position gards the invitation to the Dominions to in the Near East in view of misapprehen send contingents, emphatically denied that dificulties that had arisen. He declared exploited for political purposes and said sion existing as to the character of the the Dominions "were in any wise being that the strengthening of military and there was no question of any such thing naval forces way dictated by two supreme the impression was entirely unfounded. considerations first, nnxiety regarding the The Cabinet felt that the sacrifices of ranean and the Black Sea, which was an entitled them to be consulted when that withdrawal of troops, to be declared freedom of the seas between the Mediter-Australia and New Zealand in Gallipoli Nicholaevak affair. essential primary condition. The War question of the freedom of the Straits was beforehand; to which the Japanese per They requested a fixed date for the

demonstrated most clearly that the free-involved. The Cabinet decided, therefore, sisted in their fermer attitude that the dow of the Dardanelles was vital to the that those Dominions were entitled to evacuation of Saghalin will be effected security of the Empire and the protection, participate in the defence of the Straita immediately upon the settlement of the of commerce. The closing of the Straits The Cabinet felt, at the same time that it Nicolaevak affair, which will be consider- by Turkey-who owed more to Britain and was impossible to ask two dominione withed forthwith. France than any power in the world,was out inviting the remainder; thus Canada

After signing the general agreement act of perdy which was responsible and South Africa were also approached. now under discussion, they declared it For the collapse of Russia, the defeat of Mr. Lloyd George commented

that would be impossible to indicate a date fumania and the prolongation of the Canadian criticisms specially referred to for evacuation before signing the agree- War two years.

the fact that no such invitation was made ment finally. in 1814 when the Dominions spontaneously volunteered.

A PEACE EQUIVALENT TO A DEFEAT.

It was an essential condition of world- peace. that there be An effective: guarantee for the freedom of the Straits: a Peace signed without achieving that object would be equivalent to defeat. Therefore, the first purpose of British action in the last few days had been to ensure the freedom to civilisation of this essential waterway,

In doing this, Britain was not taking separate action, but simply carrying" the policy agreed upon between the Alica in 1918. We have not departed there from ose iotn," he said, "and could not do so without betraying the trust which the Empire rested in us."

TO PREVENT AN EXCEPTIONALLY HORRIBLE” WAR,

REPUBLIC: FORMED IN

* TURKESTAN,

RECOGNITION BY THE SOVIETS,

"CONSTANTINOPLE, "September 23rii. It is announced here that Moscow has

formally recognised the Republic of Tur kestan, comprising Jara and Khiva with Enver Pasha as President.

UNHAPPY IRELAND. MORE HOPEFUL FEELING IN SPIFE OF DARK FEATURES.

CHANGCHUN, September 20th.

Moscow, the Russians insisted on the The Conference resumed session on Saturday. Acting on instructions from evacuation of Northern. Sagbalin, which must be considered independently of the

It was decided to adjourn the Confer ence until the Japanese receive final in- structions from Tokyo.

MANILA HANK OFFICIAL SENTENCED.

SPECULATION IN EXCHANGE WITH THE BANK'S MONEY.

MANILA, September 23rd." Eleuterio Santos, ex-Assistant Chief of the foreign department of the Philippino. National Bank has been sentenced to eight. years' imprisonment for defrauding the Bank through the purchase and sale of. Gerinan marka. · D was alleged that Santos purchased 100,000 German marks with the Banks' money and then sold the marks to the bank at a higher price, re- taining the difference,

RUBBER RESTRICTION. DIFFERENCE OF OPINION STILL PREVAILS.

LONDON, September 3rd. A feeling of hopefulness as regards the future and the present is in the ascendant The second object of the strengthening in Ireland, notwithstanding the continu of Britain's naval and military forces in anco "of outrages in the heart of that the Near East, Mr. Lloyd Leorge con unhappy country. Grace is taken from tinued, was to prevent an exceptionally the fact that Parliament is functioning horrible war spreading to Europe. He steadily and pursuing its duties ander would not attempt to apportion the the courageous leadership of the new blame between the Greeks and the Turks, President, Mr. Cosgrave... but the fact that Smyrna was destroyed Darker features are furnished by the and that massacres had occurred was suffi- record of new crimes, chiefly ambushes hy cient justification for British policy. If National troops and the fighting about that advices from London confirm the A telegram from Amsterdam states an Army which could not be restrained Sligo, which is particularly severe. from perpetrating such outragen. eroased A striking example of fraternal strife statement made by "Mr. Copeman, Chair. “ to Constantinople he feared there might is afforded by the shooting of the young man of the Eastern International Rubber be a repetition of the terrible incidents. Irregular Leader, MacNeill, whose two Produce. Trast, that prominent British contegration among the infammable army, while the father, Professor Marsport the voluntary limitation of There was danger, also, of a spread of the brothers hold high rank in the National rubber enterprises in Dutch India are Balkans,

Neill, Minister of Education is regarded production. as a most distinguished member of the Dail

..

." THE INFLAMMABLE BALKANS.”

The Premier recalled that the war of

LONDON, September 23rd.

The Dutch Minister, for the Colonies, however, is hesitating to submit official Ulster is still on the qui rive and proposala in "view of the rubber interests Belfast is still a danger spot for dis opposition to an export duty and similar turbances, although quieter than recently. measures.. Limited tapping is now ad-

BRITISH ARMY 'PLANE CRASHES.

PRIVATES KILLED. :. :

LONDON, September 23rd. The Pilot, two non-coms and three

BTmY

vised,

TRENCH SEAMEN REFUSE

DUTY, CONSEQUENT ON INCREASED HOURS OF WORK.

"

BOURDEAUX, September 23rd,

1814 began in the Balkana. He, therefore, regarded it as of paramount importance to Europeso peace that the War in Asia Minor should not spread to Europe. Mr. Lloyd George emphasised that Britain bad been most impartial as. between Greeka and Turks. The Greeks recently threaten PILOT TWO NON-COMS AND THREE ed to march to Constantinople, necessitat Persia and China supported Dr. Nansen, ing a passage through the Neutral Zone whilst Dr. H. A. L. Fisher (Britain) warned The British Generalisimo of the Allied against complicating the task of the Paris Forces had warned the Greeks in terms

In consequence of the decision of the Conference but said Britain was anxious identical with those just used to Mustapha privates of a huge bombing plane were

owners to enforce the abolition of the to secure the co-operation of the League. Kemal that he could not allow them to killed while participating in maneuvres, the machine crashing. aware that the enter the Neutral Zone.

eight-hour day, the whole crew of the He declared he was

incidentally, the Premier mentioned The machine burst into flames when she liner Lutetia, due to sail for South Dominions wished the League to play most that the Government's military advisers struck the ground and was completely America, left the vesel TORONTO, September 23rd.

active role in the Near Eastern problem. Ex Premier "Meighen, addressing... a

Two other liners succeeded in sailing, gathering of business men at the Conser

ative Club," asmiled the delay of the to warn them to retire as they were trans. sentiment and take it into account in any 】 dom of the Straits to unarměd vessela..

The Governor of Chanak sent a message The British Government would respect this regarded it as essential that Chanak destroyed, three of the occupants being

The others were thrown one for the West Indies and the other should be held in order to secure the free incinerated.

clear. There were thousands of spectators for Casablanca Government in replying to Great Britain's gressing in the neutral-tone. It has been subsequent negotiation. Dr. Fisher mored

He proceeded to emphasise that it was and the field was brilliantly illuminated appeal. He asserted that a policy of arranged that General Shuttleworth shall a resolution hoping the Council would lead delay might drag Canada into war. meet Turkish Members of Parliament, at any assistance which may be anked by the in the interest of Britain alone. He did

not desired to hold Gallipoli or, Chanak with searchlights, What Great Britain desired was a desix o'clock to-morrow morning, with a Powers engaged in the negotiations,

not claim that Britain; alone, should THE claration of the Empire's solidarity. view to obtaining the amicable withdrawal Lord Robert Cecil (for South Africa) have sole responsibility. "On the con Mr. Meighen would back Mr. Mackenzie of the Turks.

dissented, contending that the League trary," he added, "we believe these im King rusing a message of loyal co-Sir Chas, Harington (Allied Comman- ought to be prepared to act by horself, portant shores should be held under the NUMBER OF ARRESTS IN ATHENS operation similar to those sent by New der-in-Chief) has summoned the Angora without waiting until asked. M. Hanotaur auspicca of the League of Nations in the Zealand and Austrália de Yet Canada representative here for the purpoes of (France) and Marquis Imperiali (Italy) interest of all-ations alike." The tree. which was a party to the Sovres Treaty, making similar representations. It is beaupported Dr. Fisher's proposal. Finally dom, of the Straits va a matter of life

ATHENS, September 23rd. A number of arrests have been made in and when naked to stand by that compact lieved that in view of Allied acceptance a Committee was appointed to draft a joint and death to Rumania and Bussis, and connection with the alleged Venizeliat should have said,aye ready,' did one of Turkish Thracian demands a friendly proposal for submission at the next meet Fundamental in the interest of the world's plot.

understanding will be reached.

(Continäed of foot of next column.).

thing.

Jines.

ing

содщетсе."

"

ALLEGED VENIZELIST

PLOT.

A SOVIET SUICIDE REPORT DENIED.

BERLIN, September 23rd. M. Chicherine denies that M. Timovie committed suicide on September th U.S.A. CONGRESS ADJOURNS.

WASHINGTON, September Zod Congress has adjourned sine die.

(Continued on page C.)