The Washington herald., 1922-03-10
READINC'SDEMAND
PRECIPITATES new
CRISIS In BRITAIN
Secretary Montagu Out;
Viceroy May Have
To Resign.

LONDON. March e.-Out of the
demand by Lord Reading, viceroy
Of India, for a revision Of the eraaty
Of Sevres in order that the Turk
may be re-est3pIrsned in complete
control OF Constantinople and his
former empire, has grown Eng
lands latest and mort formidable
crisis.
Readings demand for a recasting
of the whole Near Eastern map has
already resulted in the resignation
from Office Of E. s. Montagu. sec
retary of state for INDIA. 1t prob
ably will be followed by the resic-
nation or recall of Lord Reading
himself. And this may lead to a
cabinet crisis and a call for a gen
eral election.
Government Is Opposed.
That much is concerned with
Great Britain's democratic politics.
But the Reading memorandum is
more far-reaching than IN its ef-
feet upon the present British gov
ernment. 1t compromises, OBJ
servers declare, the empires posi-
ticn at the coming Near Eastern
conference, with possibilities OF
nullifyinE Lloyd Georges policies
and completely upsetting the pro-
posed ATTEMPT to arrive at a work
able and peaceful agreement in the
Balkans and Asia Minor.
Events moved rapidly after Mon
iaEu's publication of Lord Read
ings note. Because MontaEu au
thortzed the publication and there
fore aligned himself with the
viceroy. he was invited to step out
disclosing the very patent fact tha,
the entire government is opposed
to the viceroys policy.
Reading's Fate ut STAKE.
Members of the government feel
that In addition to being euuiy-
alent to a species of ultimatum
from India, Lord Readings note
enables France and other countries
favorable to Turkey to point ont
AZ the coming conference that
turkey is being deprived of rights
winch even the British authorities
In India think should be granted"
austen Chamberlain. speaking in
the house of commons. remarked
that Lord Readings note exceeded
even those of Turkeys warmest
friends"
Interest is now centered on the
probable fate of Lord Reading. 1t
is learned that the viceroy acted in
concert with Montagu, and This
leads to the inevitable conclusion
that he will either resign. follow
Ing Montagu's suit. or else will suf-
fer an immediate recall by the gov
ernment
May Bring New Election.
In addition to these phases of
the situation. the incident opens up
once more speculation concerning
new election. 1t Is wholly nos
sible that Lloyd George will seize
upon this crisis to bring the pres
ent government to an end and go
to the country on the Indian issue
The government is utterly op-
posed to the suggestions of Lord
Reading. II holds that British eyac-
uation of Constantinople, revision
of the Balkan boundaries and res
toration of Turkish territory in Eu-
rope would result in outbreaks
throughout the length and breadth
Of Southeastern Europe. involving
the little entente and possibly re-
sulting in new war.
MeautnEu Makes Explanation.
Montagu's letter of resignation,
addressed to Lloyd George, has
been published. The former Secre-
tary for India states that when he
received the request from the gov
ernment Of India last week that
Its views on the Turkish situation
be published. he circularized the
cabinet to find the British govern
ments attitude toward publishing
the document
Saturday, Montagu continues. he
received another urgent request for
permission to publish the note and,
since he believed no early cabinet
meeting might be expected. he
deemed it his duty to give It out
Il have been fully apprised."
Montagu says, ''of the grave diff
culties which resulted from the
treaty of Sevres in India, and I felt
IL my duty to do everything to
support the government in India
and the provincial governments"
Deems 1t Urgent.
Montagu declared he believed the
matter as one of great urgency, and
considered himself justl-
fed in his action.
Lloyd George. replying to Mon
tagu's letter, declared he had no
doubt that the Secretary for India
felt justified, but the premier new
erthe2ess found 1T necessary TO
urge. his majesty to accept the res
ignation," because there was no
pressing necessity, and without
the cabinet, Lord Cur
zon, Lloyd George. or any of their
in the cabinet. he
caused to be published a telegram
questions the Importance OF
which extends far beyond the from
tiers of India or the responsibilities
Of the India office.-
d n