Evening star., 1922-10-03
DUTY IN ASIA minor
PERFORMED BY j. S.
Secretary Hughes, in Reply
to Methodist Bishop, Ex-
plains Work Done.

The United States government has
done all that is possible for the re-
lief of refugees from Asia Minor, and
has cxerted its influence to the fullest
extent against all acts of cruelty and
oppression, declares Secretary Hughes.
in a cable message to Bishop James
Cannon. jr, of the Methodist Episco
pal Church South, now in Paris.
THE executive" Mr. Hughes added,
has no authority to go beyond this.
ard there has been no action by Con-
gress which would justify this gov
ernment in an attempt by armed
forces to pacify the near east, or to
engage in acts of war in order to
accomplish the results you desire
with respect to the inhabitants of
that territory and to determine the
problems which have veXed Europe
for generations.
Bishop CannOn'S Message.
The message was in reply to one
from Bishop Cannon, under date of
September 80, in which he declared
his personal belief that "Christian
America will insist government Unit
ed States cooperate actively to pro-
tect Christians in Asia Minor, not only
diploma tically. but. if necessary, with
Army and Navy to secure their re-
suit"
Prompt definite American de-
mands," Bishop Cannon continued,
supported, If necessary, by Ameri-
can naval units present. would prob
ably have prevented. certainly greatly
minlmized, Smyrna fires and mas
sacres. l believe Almighty God will
hold government responsible for in
deported and for failure to protect
against defiant, heartless brutal
kenalist announcement that all ref
ugees not removed by today (Satur-
day) be deported, which deportation
means thousands more added to dead
of previous Turkish deportations.
viii not our government realize it's
opportunity and responsibility as
great Christian nation politically dis
interested to demand that burnings,
effectively prevent probably repeti-
ton in Constantinople and Thrace of
1915 Samsoun and Smyrna horrors? I
believe worldwide humanity would
tremendously approve. Who would
dare condemn prohibition further such
aorror' Shall America have condem-
nation of Meroz: Judges, 5:23."
Secretary Hughes Reply.
Secretary Hughes in his reply said:
''Your telegram of September 13
reached me this morning. In the
present situation. which has resulted
from the clash Of arms, the defeat of
the Greek forces. the incidents of the
retreat and the reprisals effected, not
only have We done all that is possible
for relief and in aid of the refugees,
but we have eXerted in an appro-
pirate manner our influence against
all acts Of cruety and oppression.
"On September s, before the burn
; ing of Smyrna, the American high
commissioner a Constantinople voiced
this country's feeling in earnestly i'm
pressing upon the Turkish nationalist
authorities the Importance of taking
the most energetic steps to insure the
population of the occupied territories
against reprisal. Instructions have
been sent to continue and urge these
representations and to emphasize the
Importance of immediate peaceful set
tlement in the interest of humanity.
have stated this governments un-
equivocal approval of the allied pro-
prosals to insure effectively the pro-
lection of the Christian minorities
and the freedom of the straits. Amer
lean officials have interviewed to secure
the prolongation of the time limit for
the evacuation of the refugees from
Smyrna and thousands have been
evacuated as result of American in
itiative.
Agreed to Join in Inquiry.
you will also recall that in June
last we agreed to join in an inquiry
which we hoped would place re-
sponsibility and prevent the recur-
renee of atrocities.
"KeenIy alive to every humani-
tartan interest involved, this govern
ment has not failed in any way to
make the sentiment of the American
people understood and to take every
appropriate action. 1t is hardly nee
essary to add that we have taken
proper measures for the protection Of
American interests.
"As you are probably aware. the
executive has no authority to go be-
yond this and there has been no ac-
ton by Congress which would justify
! this government in an attempt by
! armed forces to pacify the, near east
| or to engage in acts of war in order
; to accomplish the results you desire
! with respect to the inhabitants of that
! territory and to determine the prob
! lens which have vexed Europe Tor
! generations.