The Washington herald., 1922-09-19

CALLS FOR TROOPS
Premier Thanks Australia
And New Zealand for
Prompt Responses.
EMPIRE HASTENS
IT'S PREPARATIONS
Still Hopes France Will
Join in Efforts to Hold
Straits.

LONDON, Sept. 1s.-Although the
British government is attempting
to calm the fears of war which
have arisen as a result of the Near
East crisis and Is promising to
use force only as last resort. II
Is nevertheless accelerating mill
tary and naval preparations for the
defense of the Dardanelles.
Downing Street. despite its effort
to keep the public calm, announced
that the British Empire will un-
dertake to ward of Turkish aggres-
sion alone. IL necessary. without re-
lying on the assistance of France
and Italy.
Reinforces All Branches.
The cabinet after consultation
with the chief of Britain's army.
navy and air service, not only de-
cided to reinforce all branches but
issued orders that the various forces
should hold themselves ready to
move whenever necessary. Develop
ments are SO rapid that the cabinet
will meet again tomorrow.
Premier Lloyd George has tcie-
grapned premiers of Australia and
New Zealand that their prompt re-
sponses to his call for assistance
were received with enthusiasm
here
The empire" Lloyd George
added, cannot consent TO sacrifice
the results OF the gallant struggle
and fnal victory its sons have won
in the eastern theater."
No replies have been received
from Canada and South Africa.
Postpeses Peace PaTIey.
The temper OF the British govern
ment was disclosed In the decision
TO hold no peace conference on the
Near East until Kemal Pasha, the
Turkish nationalist chicftain. as.
sures the allied governments that
he viii respect the neutral zone
around the Dardaneilcs.
II the Turks show a Willingness
10 Keep this strategic waterway
open on equal terms to all nations
Great Britain will attempt to reach
settlement by negotiation. But
AL talk Of = peace conference with
Kemal is definitely suspended until
tho Turks give evidence Of their in
tenticn regarding tho Dardanelles
Hopes France VIII Help.
However. the government Still
hopes that France will Join. Lord
Curzon. British foreign minister. will
go Z" raris tomorrow to disclose the
situation. His real mission. il is
understood. is to learn the position
Of France regarding military opera
tions against tho Turks il they are
necessary. There was some disap-
pointment manifested at what was
described as the "evssive" attitude
Of France in response TO the British
note calling on the allies TO take
Joint military action in the Near
East If the Turks attempt to cross
the straits.
Prcmicr's Policy CrttIciscd.
Lloyd Georges agErcssiv" Near
East policy has stirred up some "p-
position here. Some Of his oppu-
n"nts declare that his appeal to the
allies to join in the use Of fore
against Kemal wss one of the worst
blunders Of hiE political career.
The paily Mail. owned by the
SortrrhiT estate. is bitter in its
criticisms
Semi-oflciaIly II was explained
that tho war is neither wanted nor
planned. Ecmal is not expected to
precipitate war. il was said. and
Great Britain has no intention ~
forcing hnstilitieS. britain is cV-
tremely desirous of settling the
Near Fast problem through n'inter-
national conference.
Laborites have added their wei=ht
to the protest against war in thc
Near East The Independent Labor
party is organizing a stop the war"
campaign. 4 big demonstration
against war is planned for Wednes-
day night.
War Stirs Winnipeg.
WINNIPEG. Man.. Sept. IS
There is great excitement in Win