Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1920-04-10
Settlement OF the Turkish Problem

HE explanation given by Premier Lloyd
George In the House Of Commons or
Americas position regarding the disposition
OF Turkish areas in the Near East has left
PAD taste In the mouth OF most Ameri-
cans. 1t is true that he was under fire
from his predecessor, Herbert H. Asquith
who has resumed his seat in Parliament, but
th1s was not sufficient reason for sharply
criticizing the government OF the United
States. up TO the present time" he is
quoted as saying. eve have only received
requests from America TO protect Armenia.
without any offer to assume responsibility"
IT is held by officials Of this government
That the requests OF the United States made
upon the allies. to give protection to Ar
menia. are entirely appropriate even If this
nation has not undertaken to assume any
OF the obligations involved. In the pro-
posed settlement OF the Turkish problems
various governments are extending the pro-
lection OF their authority over different por-
tons OF Asiatic Turkey The lands which
are to he subjected to such domination are
rich. and the governments under whose con-
troll and protection they are to pass will
profit largely from this territory
Armenia, on the other hand is a Door
country and contains material riches for
exploitation OF a protecting power. 1t is
therefore. not considered inappropriate for
the United States to suggest or request that
the governments which are to reap the ben
Gifts from the rich lands Of Turkey over
which they will have control, should extend
their protection as we'll to the poor portion
Of the old empire.
European statesmen might be reminded
that the United States has not refused def
nitely to take a mandate over Armenia or
other disputed portions Of the Ottoman en-
pre-. While sentiment in this country has
not been favorable to any plan. and while
the Senate has rejected the peace treaty en-
bodying the league or nations the President
has never declared hatly that an American
mandate. would be declined. In fact there
is reason 10 assume that the President. IL
he were at liberty to do So would person
ally be willing 10 have the United States
go to the protection or Armenia. or even to
participate in the government of CONSTANT
nople. as showing the willingness OF Amer
lea TO do it's part In keeping the peace OF
the world.
In that connection it might be added that
many authorities experienced in Turkish
politics insist emphatically that the main
tenance OF an Armenian state in liberty ami
security would not involve the burden
which it is generally assumed would he ne
cessary for the government undertaking the
Armenian establishment. These authorities
claim that il the Armenian state is given
access to the sea and its boundaries are
clearly defined by the allies. the Armenians
themselves will be able to provide the ne
cessary militia TO defend the state and to
maintain order.
The material equipment for the Armenian
forces. il is said. would have To be supplied
by the allies together with other material
assistance and instruction in matters of adj
ministration and defense. The dispatch OF
a large force OF troops from America, for
instance. would not be necessary. The Ar
menian state. however, would not be able to
maintain itself, !, is declared should Cali
cia he included within its boundaries