The Omaha morning bee. [volume] (Omaha [Neb.]) 1922-1927, 1922-07-31

France Sends 5000 SOLDIER
to Block Expected Advance
on Constantinople by
King Constantine.
English Force Increased

french troops, mostly Senegalese
and Moroccan veterans, were rushed
up to the Chataldja lines above Con-
stantinople to block by force
Of arms the expected Greek advace,
the French government announces.
The French, British and Italian
governments are afraid that King
Constantine OF Greece intcsds to un-
dertake . reckless coup de theater
against Constantinople. Owing to the
latest reports from their highest COM
missioners there, all three powers
have sent sharp notes to Athens in
the last 48 hours.
Allied military and diplomatic rep
resentatives at Constaptinople report
large concentrations OF Greek troops
in Thrace. The French cabinet asked
Great Britain, which has an ample
naval force for the purpose, to stop
all Greek maritime commerce in near
eastern waters in the event of Greek
offensive. The British reply has not
as yet been received.
Settlements Upset.
In any event the Greek note de-
livered to the~allied governmI/ts up
sets all prospective settlements of the
Greco Turkish war. The Greek gov
ernment practically resumes complete
liberty of action, owing to the failure
to date of the .Curzop mediation plan
under which Greece would complete
the military evacuation of Asia Minor.
Sir General Charles Harrington,
commanding the allied forces in Con-
stantinople, suddenly has left the sub
lime Port and is racing in an automo-
bile for hurried inspection of the,
defensive positions Of Constantine.
pie, and has, order the French and
Senegalese' forces holding the STRAIT
eaic Chataldja sector reinforced.
King Constantine, whose throne ID
trembling, has taken this action I'm
the face Of preparations by Premier
Poincare and Prime Minister Lloyd
George to discuss near east settle
ment in London shortly. and in the
face Of anew American note to the
allies suggesting an inquiry commits
sion to Be organized by American
and neutral Red Cross representa-
tiyes in Constantinople.
England Rushes Soldiers.
London, July ,30.-Distinct uneas-,
mess is seen in political and financial
circles here following the Paris
Tribuness exclusive announcement Of
lie Greek ambition to seize Constan-
dnople, coupled with Prime Minister
Lloyd Georges pessimistic war
warnings before nonconformists yes
terday.
Today Sir Laming Worthington
Evans, minister Of war, ordered re-
of the British garrison
It Constantinople blythe Second bat
talon Of the Royal Sussex regiment,
now stationed at Malta. These 1000
men are to be rushed TO the Golden |
Horn Immediately by the fastest |
available, to strengthen
the allied forces, chiefly the French,
including handful Of Italian and
British troops.
Would Use Railway.
Any attempted Greek advance
would strike Chataldja, following the |
sole railway, as the Greeks are un-
lb1e to approach by sea through the
presence of the powerful British |
ilotilla in the Sea OF Marmora.
Diplomatic and military circles |
here fear that q portion of the Greek
army, stationed at Thrace, may at
Tempt q raid on Constantinop1e de-
spite the efforts Of the Athens gov-
ernment to hold them in check. as |
the allied representative has wired
Constantine against such an enter
prise.
General Hadjanesti, commander Of |
he Greek army, has arrived IN |
Thrace by 4 fast destroyer from
Smyrna.
After an inspection Of the troops,
Gen. Hedjanesti reported that he
had ordered substitution Of disaf-
feeted divisions stationed for two.
years IN Thraee by fresh troops from |
Asia Minor.
Admiralty officials here admit
hat British wafships could not shell |
Constantinople. a. they would kill
civilians and innocents. If the Greeks
attempt to fight their way to the
city, and forces alone could expel
them.