TERMS OF PACT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 44, 21 February 1940, Page 7

TERMS OF PACT.

PLEDGE OF ASSISTANCE With Allies If Rumania Is Invaded. POSITION REGARDING SOVIET. The pacts signed between Turkey and the Allies on October 19 last are for a term of 15 years. They include provision of a specific Turkish pledge to aid the Allies if they fuifil their obligations to Rumania and Greece against aggression. The British and French Governments undertake to come to the assistance of Turkey if an act of aggression is committed against Turkey by a European Power, and in the event of an act of aggression by a European Power leading to war in the Mediterranean area in which Turkey is involved. The Turkish Government agrees to come to the assistance of the British and French Governments in the event of an act of aggression by a European Power leading to war in the Mediterranean area in which the United Kingdom and France are engaged in hostilities by'virtue of either o< their guarantees to Greece or Rumania of April 13, 1039. In the event of Britain and France being involved in hostilities in which Turkey is not obliged to lend assistance under the pacts, "Turkey will at least observe benevolent neutrality to Britain and France." In the event of Russia being involved in European hostilities, Turkey and the Allies will confer, but Turkey shall not be compelled to take action if such action involves war with Russia. Finally, the Governments agree to consult as to common action in the event of any of the conditions arising under the previous articles. A new trade agreement between the Allies and Turkey has since been signed. It came into force last Monday. The terms provide for mutual exports becoming the subject of compensation transactions, and regulating the computation of exchange notes where payment is other than in Turkish currency or pounds sterling. The Allies have also made substantial loans to Turkey to aid in her rearmament programme.