New-York tribune., 1922-09-29
Turks Hem In
British; London
RusInes Support
scsntlauca from pass ono,

conference. There is feeling here
that the Greek debncle, followed SO
closely by Constantine's ahdication, has
turned the head Of ,he Turkish leader
ard that he Will permit his desire to
exploit his Asia Minor successes by in
vading the neutral zone and crossing
into Thrace to overcome his better
| judgment, which must be that he can
get everything he wants through nego-
tiation.
In his message to General Harrington
Kemal argues about the neutral zone.
declaring that the Allies granted the
Greeks privileges which are denied him
and his followers. Kemal has many
urging him to do nothing which might
compel the British forces to take up
arms against him
Press Attitude Shifts
A striking feature of all the news
paper comment is the friendly warn
ing to the Turkish leader to move eau
tiously. From government viewpoint
the sudden change in the attitude of
the nrass is very helpful If there
should arise any emergency involving
the forces Of Great Britain, Lloyd
George could give the order to begin
fighting without the least fear of an
immediate popular protest against his
action.
Military leaders told the ministers
to-day Just how we'll prepared they are
to begin operations. Apparently Brit
ain is in good shape, SO far as naval
air forces are concerned. while con-
siderable force of troops is en- route to
the Near East and will be ready to fight
within week, If necessary.
Lloyd George seems more and more
desirous of avoiding conflict, his
orders to General Harrington having
been particularly forceful to prevent a
clash. Those who are hopeful that a
placing much store in the persuasive
powers of franklin Bouillon. the
French envoy, who was due to arrive
at Smyrna tonight. and who may COM
plete his journey to Angora to see
Mustapha Kemal, by airplane. The op-
timists also discount the hardness of
the Turks in replying to the Allied
note, holding that it is only natural the
Assembly at Angora should move with
caution. They think it quite probable
the Ke,halists will seek further in
formation before accepting the invita-
tion to confer at Venice.
Soviet Influence Active
Soviet Russia has brought much in
fuence to bear on Angora and is de-
manding that the Turks insist Moscow
be represented at the peace table.
British officials have no objection to
The presence of the Russians, although
they think that the fewer the partic-
ipants the better chance there is for
treaty, but the French have decided OBJ
Jections to sitting in a peace confer
ence with the Bolsheviki Bulgaria
undoubtedly will be admitted to the
parley.
Constantine's reported offer to fight
at the head of Greek army has refer
ence to the possibility of conflict in
Thrace. AS patriot Tino promises
to be as great q problem as he was
when King. 1t the Allies reach a set
tlement with the Kemalsts they must
guarantee the return of Eastern Thrace
to the Turks. Constantine's gestures.
therefore, are calculated to cause trou-
BILE, not only in Greece but in Constan-
tinople and Angora.
Another angle Of the Near East sit
uation that is highly interesting to the
British is the decision of the Washing
ton authorities to send fotilla of de-
stroyers to the Dardanelles, and Secre-
tary Hughes's brief but plain declara-
tion Of American policy Everything
that Mr.. Hughes said was welcome
here,