Evening star., 1922-10-02

sey, which was explained away on
the ground Of the difference In
weight. But the sudden humiliation
Of his collapse before the unknown
Sengalese created unprecedented as
tonishment. The film indicates that
the Knockout blow was. Of doubtful
legality, but the general impression
is that if technicallg unfair 1t was
not deliberately so. ~ .">s;;t,
II Africa. in the person of negro
boxer, has lowered the flag of Europe
in the prize ring, Asia. in the person
OF the Turk, has inflicted more seri-
GUS humiliation. Whatever the out
como of the strange drama now en-
gagged, whether 1t is peace or war,
the Turk emerges formidable and re-
habilitated. His triumph is due less
TO his own merits than to the de-
plorable disagreements of the Chris
tfan powers, especially England and
France. The mischieyous policy fur
lively of encouraging the Turko-
Greek conflict and backing opposite
sides invited the present disaster, and
the overwhelming defeat of the
Greeks leaves France, automatically
as well as Enthusiastically, dictator OF
the situation.
Creeks Fall Blow to British.
The bursting of the Greek bubble
Is the greatest blow British prestige
has sustained. Curzons efforts in
Paris to overcome the fatal effect of
the George manifesto met with some
measure of success, but the practical
effect of the developments has been
to leave England alone to defend the
Dardanelles pending ..the conference
and alone Confronting the Moham-
medan opinion behind the Turk. At
the moment of cabling it is doubtful
whether the Turk will push his ad-
vantage by force of arms or await
developments through negotiations
Much depends on France. | cannot
suppose that she would wish war
which would make final the breach
of the Franco British relations and
the gain from which would be prob
lematical Moreover. the little en-
tente breads restoration of Turkish
power on European soil
Meanwhile Greece is in chaos and
the military element demands that
the army advance to the defense OF
the Thrace frontier. The problem
bristles with difficulties. Assuming
that the conference will be held, ex-
clusion of Russia would be gro
q vital question to Russia and any
settlement ignoring Russian interests
would be repudiated. Freedom of the
Dardanelles is vital to peace. but how
is 1T to be secured? 1t was suggested
that it be handed over to the league
include Russia, and, as the league has
no armed force, it would have t.
hand it over to a mandatory power
What power? England, France. Italy
There are objections to each and all
League Rupture Possible.
The crisis completely overshadowet
the conference of the league at Gen
eva, where a sensation was caused
by Lord Robert Cecirs suggestion
that the league control and use all
power as a means of enforcing 1t:
authority. The proposal goes to thu
foundation of the leagues position
and raises the fundamental issue o
the, employment of force. 1 am Quit
sure Lord Robert Is honestly con
vinced there Is no future for an un
armed league. No other considera
q pacifist to this conclusion. The idei
will create a great controversy with
in the league and may lead to seri
GUS rupture.
If the Turkish crisis passes ther
IL a strong impression that Lloy'
George will seize the opportunity t.
20 to the country in October. Hi
position grows steadily worse and tn
longer the general election is de
layed the more danger OF his defeat
The coalition government now is uni
versally discredited and the tor
party is anxious to cut George an
revert strictly to a party position
George is keen to make advances t
his old friends on the liberal side an
a strong view prevails that his dis
astrous appeal to the colonies agains
the Turk was intended to gain favo
with the supporters Of the old Glad
stonian tradition.
If that was the object the result
singularly unfortunate. The liberal
are hostile to Turkish rule in Europ.
but equally hostile to the premier
support of the Greeks in their i'll
fated adventure which has nov
brought Europe to a new disaster
The elections could hardly be hel
under worse conditions for Lloy
Georges prospects.
fCopyriyht 192o)