The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1922-09-23
Will
ONLY RESIST
THE TURKS
@ fiji al Statement
Somewhat Gle ars
the Situation in Re-
spect t o Dardan-
elles Crisis

| London. Sept. Is (By the Asso-
ciated Press The declaration
! that Great Britain does not intend
TO engage in any new war, obtain
ed from an authoritative source
today. coupled with other state
ments of a modified policy, is TAX
e1 to mean that the series of cabi-
net meetings and ministerial con-
ferences in the last few days have
been. partly in preparation for pos
sible attacks in the British forces
| by the kemalists and partly as
political preparation for the con-
templated general conference for
the settlement Of the Turkish ques-
ton.
While it is not seriously expected
in military quarters that Mustapha
Kemal. head of the Turkish Nat
ionalists, will make an attempt
either to capture Constantinople or
cress the straits. the British wish
to be ready in case Of emergency
and not sacrifice the meager con-
tingent of troops, long stationed
in Constantinople.
The many statements issued
with the permission OF number 10
Downing street after each confer
ence are interpreted as empha-
sizing the intention OF the cabinet
to carry out the policy which it has
faithfully adhered to for more
:han three years regarding Turkey
and the straits, and, despite much
criticism at home and abroad. that
policy, which. is coupled with the
Greek defeats, viii still be vigor-
orsly followed.
The first task Of Premier Lloyd
George is to win the French to the
point Of view. Great Britain is
laying her cards on the table. and
it is not her Intention. it is said,
to attempt to make a new Gibraltar
at GallipoIi. she merely wishes not
to give the Turks another oppor-
tunity in case OF q general war to
waste SO many European lives by
Turkish control of the straits.
The cabinet is thoroughly con-
vinced That French public opinion
is with the Turks. but Lord Cur
zon, British secretary for foreign
affairs, who is proceeding to Paris.
will poipt out to- Premier Poin-
care, that bigger issues than Turke;:-
are at stake. that the whole peace
of the Balkans. future relations OF
Russia and the entire Near East
are involved. that il Great Britain
can risk disturbing her Mohanl-
medan connections by forcing the
Turks to accept a European settle
nent of the straits. then France
can afford to yield and cooperate
with the British in a Turkish peace.
Lord Curzon can do this more
convincingly by talk over table
than by correspondence" explain
ed one official. s.,rhat is why he is
going to Paris.
With France convinced, 1t is be-
lieved the Balkan states will fall
into line; then an undivided front
can be presented to the Turks
and any solution regarding the
straits be imposed. Viii, respect
to Soviet Russia's attitude OF
sympathy with the Turks. it is be-
iieyed that caR be overcome. From
facts lately presented at London 1t
is known the Soviet's attitude is
partly due to allied control OF her
travellers and fxeights exercised in
the past year at Constantinople,
where Soviet officials have been
arrested and detained and their
made to pay heavy de-
murrage charges. These annoy
ances will cease. it is argued. when
4 Turkish peace is arranged.