The New York herald., 1922-09-17
AMERICA KEEPS OUT
OF NEAR EAST BROIL
United States Stands .AbSo-
lutely Aloof From Politi-
cal Entanglements.
CONCERNED IN RELIEF
Has. Definite Interests in
Asia Minor and Will
Conserve Them.
NO PARTY TO TURK PACT
American Red Cross Active in
Smyrna Even Before the
Turks Arrived.
NO PARTY TO TURK PACT
Special DiAatch to THE Nrw Yosx HERALD.

New York Herald Bureau.
Washington. ID. C.. Sept. 16
The United States Government will
stand absolutely aloof from the politi-
cal entanglements threatening to arise
from the capture of Smyrna by the
Turks and a probable march on Con-
stantinople.
While this Government is keenly in
terested in relief measures for the
stricken peoples of all nationalities,
and has already acted for their relief,
exchanges between the State Depart
ment and other Governments have
ignored all political issues and ques-
tions.
The United States has definite in
terests in Asia Minor and in the final
settlement of the controversy over the
Dardsnelles. These interests. how
ever. will be conserved without any
embodiment in political and diplo-
matte intrigue in the Near East and
in Europe in general.
This Government is not party to the
treaty OF Sevres because II was not
technically at war with Turkey The
treaty has never been ratified. and con-
Germs many of tho issues now involved.
The United States likewise was not
signatory to the armistice with Turkey
under which the Allies retained the
right to keep the Dardaneles open, with
force If necessary.
The primary interest OF the United
States is protection of American ciu-
Gems and American property. with a
second consideration entirely humani-
tartan.
state Department officials are still
awaiting a reply from Constantinopde to
the proposal that this Government CO.
operate with the Allies Tor relief of the
refugees In Smyrna and Asia Minor
generally.
New Quarters for Consulate.
No dispatches OF any character have
been received from Admiral Bristol.
American High Commissioner. and the
only Official report from the actual scene
OF disorder is a brief messagefrorn Vice
Consul Barnes at Smyrna reporting that
new quarters had been secured for the
consulate destroyed in tho conflagra-
ton.
Consul Norris at Salonika reported
the safe arrival of the American de-
stroyer Edsall with 800 destitute refu-
gees, who left Smyrna on September a.
He said food and shelter had been as
sured by the local authorities for as
many as 5000 refugees. but clothing,
blankets and milk we're lacking.
Supplies were furnished the American
refugees from Near East relief stores
on vessels in the harbor. Some time Is
expected to elapse before Admiral Bris-
tol can work out with allied leaders
definite plans for international coopera-
ton in relief work.
In the meantime american relief
measures are going forward. The Amer
ican Red Cross issued the following
statement OF acting Chairman Albert
Ross Hill:
"On report of the first news regard
ing the Smyrna disaster the American
Red Cross cabled Admiral Bristol at
Constantinopie, authorizing him to draw
on the American Red Cross through the
State Department for $4,000 to help
meet the temporary emergency Major
Davis. formerly director OF the Amer
lean Red Cross unit in Constantinople.
was at once dispatched. along with a
medical unit and such supplies as were
available, on one of the American de-
stroyers. which made the passage In
record fme. Thus the American Red
Cross was at work in Smyrna before
the Turkish army arrived.
The messages sent Admiral Bristol
by the state Department regarding CO.
operation of American relief agencies
with similar organizations and govern
ments in Europe were sent after con-
sultation with the American Red Cross.
This organiya ton fully indorses the DO
sition taken by the State Department
and stands ready to cooperate IN any
feasible plan of international relief.
May Return u. y. Citizens.
Special provision has just been made
by the American Red Cross for relief
of naturalizcd American citizens who
have been transferred from Smyrna 10
Athens and vicinity hy Consul General
Horton, and IL ia expected that the
American Government can arrange to
bring 10 tho United states promptly
those who wish to return"
Tho State and Navy departments are
without definite or official knowledge as
to responsibility for the burning OF
smyrna and could not confirm reports
OF widespread massacres and piilage.
The Greek Legation gave out a lengthy
statement declaring that moro than
100000 Greeks and Armenians had been
massacrced. II says. that refugees from
Anatolia report that the Turks left in
their wake a trail OF ire and destr1,c-
tion on every hand and many other re-
ports OF massacre and pillage were given.