The Washington times., 1922-09-29
FRANCE BACKED
kEMA[ AGAINST
:; GREAT BRITAIN
Thornburgh Reveals Intrigues
Back of Present Tense
Situation on Straits.

HoW the Turkish crisis has set
afldme all the former dnin,osities
and diplomatic log-rolling that the
world tOGr Uas. so far as the
United States tOGs concerned, sup
posed to abolish, is shotUn IN the
third and last story based on re-
ports to the United States fntellt-
gence service, which follotos.
BY ROBERT s. THORNBURGH,
Cosmopolitan News Service.
Unquestionably the most impor-
tant fact which the crisis in the
Near East situation has brought
forth Is that French and British
differences In respect to German
reparations and the question of the
straits cannot be reconciled in a
bitter struggle between the two
powers for European supremacy.
French Backed Kemal.
For reasons which are the coun-
terpart of those which led Great
Britain to support Greece. France
has espoused the cause OF the
Turkish nationalists. For France
has succeeded to the position of the
predominant land power held by
Germany before the world war.
AS Turkey, before the war, leaned
always toward Germany, she might
be expected to seek support from
France. as the land power, pro-
vided htr European territorial pos
sessions were restored to her and
her Independence of the sea power
assured.
Since in possession of the straits,
Turkey would once more stand in
the path of Russian aspirations for
an outlet on the Mediterranean, she
would necessarily be forced to turn
to France for support just as for
the same reason she leaned toward
Germany before the world war.
Frances most vital interests lie
not in the Near East, but in Central
Europe. In all the diplomatic ex.
changes that have taken place be-
tween Great Britain and France, the
French representatives have always
shown a willingness to make conces.
sions to the British with respect to
the Near East. in return for similar
concessions by Great Britain in re-
spect TO Germany.
Following the tripartite conference
on Near Eastern questions in Paris,
March. 1922, British opposition to
the French program of guarantees
became pronounced. eliminating in
the deadlock at the reparation con-
ference in London. France reacted
by increasing intransigeance in her
attitude toward the settlement of the
Near East question
Plays Dangerous Game.
The balance of power was de-
stroyed as the result of the world
war and the military hcgcmony of
the continent fell into the hands Of
France. For the past three years,
the constant effort OF British diplo-
macy has been to raise some power
that would counter balance French
influence.
With this in view, she is now
endeavoring to induce the little en-
tente - CZeChoslovakia. Jugoslavia
and Rumania-to break away from
France. by playing up the menace
of a resurgent Bulgaria and Hun.
gary. supported by the military
power of Turkey.
Should Great Britain succeed in
accomplishing this object. French
power on the continent will have
been greatly weakened.
Jugoslavia is now mobilizing !
troops on the Thracian frontier. 1t |
is important to note. however, |
that these troops are quite as ca.
pable of employment by Jugosla- |
via in a campaign to seize her
coveted objective, the Great Aegean !
port of Salonica, as they are Of |
being directed against the Turk.