The New York herald., 1922-12-20
ALLIES AT Limit OF
STRAITS CONCESSIONS
Only, One More Meeting,
British View; an Ultima
tum, Say French.
ENGLISH FLEET FEARED
Both Turks and Russians Re-
fuse to Yield on Re-
strictions.
ENGLISH FLEET FEARED

Bpecol Coble TO THE New York RmALp.
Copyright. 1859. oy THE NEW YoRx HnALp.
LAUSANNE, Dec. 19.-The new Straits
plan put in by the Turks has brought
them to tight grips with the Allies
The final bout in this strategic strug-
gle, affecting the whole future course
Of European history. seems fixed for
tomorrow. Lord Curzon Indicated as
much to-day when he refused to mod
ify further the allied plan and rejected
both the Russian and Turkish plans
proffered yesterday, saying solemnly:
I'VE have reached the limit of our
concessions. From further, discussion
nothing more can ensue. and we shall
therefore have one more meeting
and only one.'
Amiral Lacase. former dinister Of the
French Marine, speaking for the French
side. said "To-dsy's decision ID an ul-
timatum. ! myself made this plain TO
the Turks when 1 handed them the text
Of our decision, which marked as H.
nal"
While these statements do not pre-
clude the Allies veering from this Inn
passe while they go on to other mat
ters. which course Is thought likely. the
stiffened attitude OF the Turks as en-
phasised on the straits and other mat
ters IL causing the greatest anxiety for
the continuance oflthe conference. The
Russians are not the only ones respon-
sible. II Is believed. Speeches made
two days ago In the Angora Assembly.
wherein the Turkish delegation here
were blamed for allowing the Allies to
play with them. seem to be another
cause.
/ British Sea Power Feared.
The struggle over the straits is a fight
both Turks and Russians are making
against the potential power Of the Brit
ish heet All the other nations arc put
to one side. though tacitly agreeing to
support the British. The Turks see In
the allied plan the possibility Of the
British fleet still having control over
tho straits. becauee the allied plan does
not permit them to fortify tho Euro
pean shore Of the sea OF Marmora.
where the channel lies.
ain should declare war upon Russia a
British feet would DO able to steam up
the straits unrestricted under the clause
that says the Limitation to three light
vessels for each Power shall not be
applicable to a beiligerent Power to the
prejudice of Its right as a belligerent
IN the Black Sea-" This more and more
appears the crux OF the struggle, the
Russians seeing In II a direct menace,
and the British Insisting upon Il for
the protection in future of their eastern
possessions against the Russians.
The Allies rejected utterly tho Rus
sian plan for closed straits. with light
vessels allowed through for beneficent
purposes. az being entirely inadmissible,
for IL would create a closed Black Sea,
against which the Allies stand irrevoc-
ably opposed.
Secondly. they told the Turks their
plan was unacceptable In that on many
points II still would give Turkey con-
troll Of the straits In peace or war. but
principally because OF the Turkish stipu-
lation restricting the allied feet. not
individually but collcctivs vsly. to the size
OF the Turkish navy In the Marmora
Sea and on account Of the clause pro-
viding for the fertilization of the Euro
pean side OF that body OF water.
Thirdly. they refused TO give the Turks
any further guaranty for the protection
OF the demilitarised straits beyond that
already offered. which 10 the same as
that exercised In tho case Of the Aaland
Islands: whereas the Turks want each
Power separately to give a guaranty.
No stronger Guaranty.
"rf Turkey does not like it---and we
have all consulted our Governments In
the meantime" said Lord Curzon refer
ring to this guaranty idea. 'I must say
here and now that no stronger guaranty
In possible for US to give"
The attitude of the United States is
being watched with great interest In this
situation. Referring 70 the American
point OF view. George Tchitchcrin point
ed out to the conference to-day that the
American idea OF having the straits
open to warships on errands of benefi-
cencc had been met by the Russians.
ITO obiige the Americans we have de-
parted from a strict application of our
original principles on the proposition to
the Turkish Government for the pas
sage OF light ships on purely pacific err
rands," he said. Not only. he declared,
did the Russians insist upon a closed
Black Sea. but they proposed even the
Continued on Pare Six.
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