San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1923-02-05


London, Feb. 5.-The failure OF the
Allies to bring about a settlement OF
the Near East problem after three
months conference in Lausanne WIN
the Turks has struck the heaviest blow
at Europe's peace since the asSassma-
ton of Austrian archduke at Serlero.
Another war between Greece and Tur-
kew seems to be inevitable, with grave
possibilities that the Allied warships
now on way to Constantinople may
be called into active service. The
relations between Great Britain and
France. strained almost TO breaking
point over the Ruhr occupation, are
further pushed towards estrangement
and bitterness.
Discussing the Lausanne failure with
an eminent professor Of economies from
one of Great Britain's leading univer-
sites, tie writer asked him what really
formed the basis of Turkeys obstinacy.
He declared emphatically that the
Allies made the mistake OF treating
with the Turks as a conquered people.
Turkeys position after the arms
tice," he said, "was about the same as
that Of the other central powers, but
being less civilized, the tendency of the
Turks to remain beaten extended over
a shorter period than that of the Ger
mans and Austrians. 1t only needed
the Greek occupation Of Smyrna 70
change the whole Turkish psychology
from that Of a conquered TO that Of a
conquering nation. No matter what
Thea consequences may be Of their refus-
ing the liberal terms offered at Lau-
same, they are willing to continue
fighting just as they have for the last
800 years. They are willing TO face
the combined forces of the Allies and
Greece in q war TO the finish.
Are Backed BY Russia.
"Their courage is bolstered up by the
knowledge that they have behind them
the great hinterland Of Russia, combin-
ed with the possibility of q breach be-
tween France and Great Britain.
"ln this anticipation another specu-
lation arises. What effect will Tur-
keys refusal have upon the Germans
and Austrians? Will their psychology
undergo a similar alteration? If Ger
many's. mental attitude toward the vic
tOriOus Allies changes as Turkeys has
changed, we may expect to see within
short time frequent uprisings among
the southern Germans, who are the most
likely to maintain war like spirit.
The French occupation Of the Ruhr
will undoubtedly tend to strengthen the
German combative spirit and make
them strike France indirectly through
attacks on Poland. Turkey changed
whom Soviet Russia established direct
connections with her across the eau
cusus. So may Germany change If
RmGgia ie ,VnifaI Nth hny. IN, ~I,a1y,
ing Poland"
While these suggestions only form
the basis for speculation today, they
may well become the reality of tomor-
row. They also show the effect which
the Lausanne failure has had upon
British opinion.
Praise For CurZon's Course.
Full credit for this tremendous eff
forts at Lausanne are given Lord Cur
ION by every shade of public opinion
here. In every possible way he upheld
the British desire for real peace by
extending to the Turks every conceiv-
able advantage. granting them conces.
sions such as they themselves never
expected. Arguments upon the highest
place of reason and fairness put for
ward by Lord CurzOn failed complete
" " tVuNh u responsive CHOru IN lHc
Turkish mind.
1t is true that Great Britain has a
great political issue at stake in main
tanning peace with the countries bor-
dering on India and further economic
interests to protect in the Mosul oil
fields, but no other country represent
ed at Lausanne has taken such an adj
vanced position of friendliness to the
Turkish demands.
As the immediate result of the fail
ure to reach an agreement, Great
Britain will probably greatly strength
en- the fleet at COnstantinople and
along the Dardaneiles. The whole
Atlantic fleet under Admiral DeRobeck
now cruising off the Balearic islands
has been ordered 70 report at Malta
the latter part of the week and, from
there, will probably be sent 10 the
straits.
To counter any Turkish movement
the British troops at Chanak will be
reinforced. Other military and naval
precautions will be taken Immediately
along lines laid down by the Imperial
war staff.