New-York tribune., 1920-04-19
Turkish Issues
Made Acute bv
Allied Delays
Danger of New Outbreak
That Might Infame Whole
lslamic World Regarded
as Far From Remote
By Arthur S. Draner


from lhe Trtbune's European Bureau
Copyright, 1920. New York Tribune Inc.
LONDON. April 18.-Long delay has
Increased the difficulty in finding a
solution to the Turkish problem, which
Is one of the most important of those
to be taken up by the San Reno con-
ference when it convenes Tomorrow
morning.
The danger Of the outbreak of a
new war in the Near East which might
infiame the whole Islamic world is
said in authoritative circles here not
10 be so remote as had seemed to
many.
Allied reports from Constantinople
are that the city is filled with Boil
sheyik refugees; that Mustapha Kemal.
the Nationalist leader operating in the
interior of Anatolia, is still threaten
ing the government with his army, de-
spite his accommodation by the
Caliph; that although the present
Turkish Ministry is favorable to the
Allies, its influence in its own country
is limited; that the Greek occupation
of Smyrna has aroused furious hatred
among the Turks, and that the advance
of the Bolsheviki through the Caucasus
IS assuming greater importance and
significance.
1t is doubted here whether the San
Reno conference will be able to reach
a definite settlement of this pressing
turkish problem. but it is understood
hat an effort will be made to remove
some of the causes Of the present un
rest and avert the danger of war
Hope of U. S. Action Gone
There was time when it was hoped
that the United States would play a
leading part in pacifying the Near
East. Because of national iealousies
among themselves, the Allied nations
would have been glad to have America
dominating the Ottoman Empire But
that time has passed, and now the Brit
ish are directing affairs in that region.
Although the French insisted that the
Turk should remain in Constantinople,
the French have become decidedly un-
popular, and the Turks are determined
not to accept French rule in Cilicia or
Italian dominance in Adalia. None of
the Allies is popular in Turkey, but
Great Britain has succeeded in making
the fewest enemies. Great Britain is
trying to remain on good terms with
the Mahometans in order to obtain the
largest measure of security for her
possessions in that part Of the world
and to increase her economic resources
by controlling solid strip Of territory
from the Mediterranean to India. This
policy has been extremely difficult to
pursue without arousing the envy Of
her allies, and signs are not now lack
ing that the French are taking issue
with the British in their domination Of
the Near East.
Had peace been made a year ago it
is probable that the Turks would have
suffered heavier territorial losses than
now seem likely because Of the need of
placating hostile Moslem sentiments
that have arisen in the last twelve
month.
The British would like to have the
league of nations take a leading part
in the Near East, and, failing that, to
make only a temporary settlement un-
til Russia and Germany can share
the responsibility there. But the very
fact that the French and British pol
ices toward Russia and Germany diff
fer makes the Turkish problem more
com plicated.