Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1920-04-01
WILSON CL|NGS TO
OPINION Of TURKS
Strong Arguments Why They
Should Stay in ConstantinopIe
But Better Ones That They
Should Get Out, He Says

Washington, March 3o--Vigorous ex-
preston of President Wilson'S opinion that
the often expressed intention of the
allies that the anomaly of the Turks in
Europe should cease" should be carried
out in framing the Turkish treaty, char
actcrzcd the American rejoinder to the
recent allied note transmitting Informal
ton as 10 the status of treaty negotia-
tons.
While the strength of arguments for
retention Of the Turks in Constantinople
was recognized, the note said, the Ameri-
can government believes that the argu-
ments against 1t far stronger and
contain certain imperative elements which
it would not seem possible to ignore
The American rcjoinder was handed to
the French ambassador hero March Is
for transmission to Premier Milerand
and made public tonight by the state
department on adviccs that it had been
delivered
The note says in part
THE government of the United Ststee
understands the strength of the argu-
inents for the retention Of the Turks at
Constantinople, but believes that the ar
guments against it are for stronger and
contain certain imperative elements
which It would not seem possible to ig-
more. II was often the expressed intention
of the allies that the anomaly of the
Turks in Europe should cease, and It
cannot be believed that the feelings Of
the Mohamed people. who not only wit
messed the defeat Of the Turkish power
without protest. but even materially
sisted in the defeat, will now resent
the expulsion of the Turkish government
as to make complete reversal of policy
on the part Of the great powers desirable
'or necessary.
at is noted with pleasure that the
question of passage Of warships and the
! regime of the straits in wartime are still
under advisement az this government is
cor."lnced that final decision should
or can bc made without the consent of
! Russia.
! AS for Thrace. it would seem right
! that part of East Thrare which IL
outside Of the zone reserved for Con-
stantinople should become part of the
kingdom of Greece with the exception Of
| the northern part of that province As
this, the northern part, is clearly Bull
| garan in population, justice and fair
| dealing demand that the cities Of
| Adrisnople and Kirk kilisseh and the
| surrounding territory should become part
| of Bulgaria
There can be no question to the
| genuine interest of this government
| in the plans for Armenia, and the gov
| eminent of the United States is con-
| WINGED that the civilized world de-
| mands AMI expects the most liberal
| treatment for that unfortunate coun-
| try. Its boundaries should be dra wn in
such way as to recognize all the
| legitimate claims of the Armenian peo-
| pie and particularly to give them easy
| and unencumbered access to the sea.
| while unaware of the cOnsidp rat ions
| governing the decision reached by the
| Supreme Council, 1t is felt that special
| rights over Laziestan would hardly as
| sure to Armenia that access to the sea
indispensable to its existence.
1t is hoped that taking into con-
sideration the fact that Trebzond has
! always been the terminus of the traie
| route across Armenia and that Mr..
Venizelos, on behalf of the Greeks Of
! that region, has expressed their pref
| erence for connection with Armenia
! rather than Turkey, the powers will he
willing 70 grant Trebizond to Armenia.
| In regard to the relinQui shment by
| Turkey of her rights to Mesopotamia.
Arabia, Palestine. SYRIA and the Is
| lands. this government suggests that
| the method resorted TO in the case OF
| Austria be adopted. namely. that Tur-
| key should place these provinces in
| the hands of the great powers. to be
| disposed OF as those powers determine"
| The government of the United States
notes with pleasure that provision is made
| for Russian representation on the inter.
national council. which II Is proposed
shall he established for the government
| of Constantinope and the straits. This
| government Is convinced that no arrange
ment that Is now made concerning tho
| government and control Of Costantinople
| and the straits can have any elements
| of permanency unless the vital interests
of Russia in those problems are carefully
provided for and protected and unless
II is understood that Russia, when it has
! a government recognized by the civilized
world. may assert its right to be heard
! in regard 10 the demands now made.