Lausanne

Oil and the Machinery of the Conference

The gurgitations of Near Eastern oil have resounded with an unmistakable "glub " throughout the world. The Angora Government, with its five senses on the qui vive, is anxious to draw America into the next meeting of the Lausanne Conference, scheduled to take place on April 23.

According to the Paris Matin, the Turkish Government has received an offer from Rear Admiral Colby Michael Chester, acting on behalf of the American-Ottoman Development Company, to build railroads, canals, cities, ports, scientific and mechanical institutions and a host of other important projects. In return the Government would be required to grant important oil concessions in Anatolia and Mosul.

Many nice legal points are involved in such an agreement. The French view with alarm the proposed con cessions to an American concern which, as they state, would operate to the disadvantage of French interests. In Anatolia the French Government acquired important concessions from former Ottoman governments, and they still regard these as belonging to their own peculiar province. The Matin concludes: "Is there a change in favor of American projects? It is essential that we know that before the resumption of negotiations at Lausanne."

With regard to the Mosul question, it is apparent that Mosul does not belong to the Turks, and, therefore, is not within their jurisdiction. At the moment that city, with its outlying oil district, is situated in the extreme north of the Kingdom of Hedjaz, and under a mandate held by Great Britain from the League of Nations. The question resolves itself to this: Turkey will try to interest America at Lausanne to back her claim to Mosul. It is in effect a political quid pro quo. Turkey will receive Mosul and American interests will work the oil.

It is understood that Mr. Richard Washburn Child, American Ambassador in Rome, will be present at Lausanne when the conference is resumed; it has even been stated that he will be there primarily to protect the Chester claims. This, however, lacks confirmation. One thing is certain, Turkey is trying to force a wedge, in the shape of America, between herself and the Allies. It is equally evident that oil will come more to the front in the next, and according to the Turks the final, session of the peace conference at Lausanne.

Ismet Pasha, Turkish Foreign Minister, will, it is announced, head the Turkish Delegation. It was Ismet who guided the destiny of Turkey at the last meeting of the conference, and it was largely due to his influence with the Angora Assembly that the Turkish Delegates have such a firm basis for the resumption of deliberations.