Great Falls tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1921-current, 1922-09-17
U. S. WATCHES SITUATION

U. S. WATCHES SITUATION
Washington, Sept 16.-The near
eastern situation resulting from the
disaster at Smyrna is being watched
with closest interest by govern
ment officials, although it was en-
phasized that the United States is not
involved in the issues beyond caring
for its citizens and their interests in
the war-swept zone.
Official circles emphasize that, al
though the United States Is naturally
interested in the freedom of the straits
It has not taken any part IN any of
the territorial or boundary settlements
in the near east-has not been at war
with Turkey, nor is it q party to the
negotiations which resulted in the sig
nature of the peace treaty at Sevres
in August, 1920. 1t was understood
that the American government has as
signed no commitments and entered
into no understandings which will in
volve it in any way in the territory
readjustments which may result from
the apparent successes of the Turkish
nationalist movement and the Turkish
re occupation of Smyrna.
The unratified treaty of Sevres pro-
vided for the naturalization of the
Dardanelles and the Bosphorus and of
territory on both sides of the straits
The United States never has had
any part in the patrol and protection
of the neutral zone. as it is not only of
the powers which is carrying out the
in the enforcement 70 such of the
terms of the treaty of Sevres as the
allies may be able to maintain.
Turkey, Rear Admiral Bristol, has nc
diplomatic status His duties in Con-
stantinople are to protect the United
States interests IN general.
1t is asserted that, although the
United States has not taken part In
the territorial settlement in Turkey
or entered into any commitments
which would involve it in any way at
the present time. this does not mean
that the government is prepared to
abandon the interests of its citizens in
that country, whether of a philan-
thropic or of a commercial character.
TURKS CELEBRATE VICTORY
Constantinople, Sept 16.-(By the
Associated Press) Large British
forces. with heavy artillery, have land
ut PpAAlS AAt AAC
nelles, prepared for any eventuality.
Sir Harry Lamb. the British high
| commissioner at Smyrna, is couferring
with Mustapha Kemal Pasha, the
Turkish nationalist. at Cordello, where
King Constantine of Greece made his
home while on the Smyrna front. The
conference was over the political. mill
tary and refugee situation.
Tho RritiSh f0raaa which landed arc
| throwing up entrenchments. Further
| contingents are on the way.
! Confidence that they can check any
! Kelamist effort to seize the historic
waterway was expressed in British
quarters Saturday.
General Shuttleworth, who is In
command will soon be reinforced by
! French and Italian battalions.
| The British officials are conf
dent the allied fleet and land forces
can hold Constantinople against all
odds.
British headquarters announced
that Field Marshal Viscount French,
Earl of Ypres, is expected TO arrive
here shortly.
Reports were current Friday that
the allied warships were bombardins
| taht the cannonading was the work OF
that tn cannonading was the work of
the kemalists coast batteries which
were attacking the remainder of the
Greek forces evacuating the Chesme
peninsula.
The British authorities appealed TO
the Turkish officers to cease firing,
as the retiring troops were no longer
comhatants but helpless refugees. and
! the Turkish action. they declared.
was in violation of the right of hu-
manity and international law.
The Kemalists, however. ignored the
british plea for mercy, and the Greek
jvesseIs retired under heavy fire, with
many wounded.
| Renewed celebrations were held
l.brouqbout Asia Minor Friday TO mark
the sweeping Turkish victory over the
Greeks. Friday is the Turkish Sunday
and the entire Moslem population
ceased its usual pursuits and repaired
| tcontinued on Page Tws)