WELCOME ASSURANCE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 192, 15 August 1941, Page 7

WELCOME ASSURANCE

British-Soviet Protection For

Turkey

LONDON I'KESS COMMENT

Rec. 1 p.m

RUGBY, Aug. 14

Two aspects of the British-Soviet declaration to Turkev—one of general and the other of particular application—are dealt with by The Times and Daily Telegraph respectively.

Recalling that the Montreux Convention. referred to in the declaration, "recognises the full sovereignty of Turkey over the Straits and consequent right of her Government to take any measure requisite for their protection against aggression in time of war or danger of war," The Times continues: "The value of this joint diplomatic action by the belligerent Governments of Britain and the Soviet depends to no small degree on its reception by the Turkish Government. They, in fact, welcomed it warmly and the comments of the Turkish Press show that Turkish public opinion realises its importance."

The Times concludes by referring to the German-Turkish pact of neutrality as follows: "Should the Nazi Government fail to respect that pact—and they have shown sovereign disdain for treaties, pacts and agreements of every kind, including of course 'gentlemen's agreements'— the British-Russian declaration gives the Turkish Government the undertaking that they will not be left to face the Fuhrer's malevolence alone. The consequences or this assurance and reassurance—which will benefit Moscow almost as much as they will benefit Ankara—are likely to be as fully appreciated in Russia as in Turkey. They are welcomed in this country, and Mr. Eden, Sir Stafford Cripps and M. Maisky are to be warmly congratulated upon their signal service to the Allied cause."