TURKEY’S DEMAND TO FRANCE

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 21985, 8 January 1937, Page 9

TURKEY’S DEMAND TO FRANCE

Independence of Two Syrian Provinces

VIOLENT PRESS ATTACK GERMAN ENCOURAGEMENT SUSPECTED I (UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION —COPYRIGHT.) (Received January 7, 9.30 p.m.) LONDON, January 6. A message from Istanbul says that a significant development followed Turkish resentment at France’s uncompromising attitude towards Turkey’s demand that the provinces of Antioch and Alexandretta should be independent, and administered apart from the remainder of the French mandate of Syria. . Kemal Ataturk, accompanied by several deputies, has left Istanbul for Konia, where the Premier, Ismet Pasha, the Foreign Minister, Dr. Rustu Aras, and the chief of the general staff, Marsha]" Fevzi, will shortly join him. The Turkish attitude is that if war supervenes, France will be responsible. ■ • The Paris correspondent of the- “ Manchester Guardian” says the violent/ Turkish press attack has created consternation in Paris, which suspects the Turks of intending to take the law in their own hands and leave the league. It is feared that the Turks want . the. provinces as a first step to the reconquest of Syria, in which Italy and Germany are probably encouraging them. Germany regards the transfer of the provinces as‘a valuable precedent affecting the future of all mandates, and strengthening her claim for her former African colonies.

Negotiations in Paris between the French Government and semi-official representatives of Syria terminated last September in a Treaty of Friendship and Alliance to take the place of the French mandate over Syria. By the treaty Syria received full autonomy, subject to the provisions of a military convention enabling France to maintain armed forces in certain areas and stipulating that two aerodromes in Syria should be at the disposal of France. Though the draft treaty was initialled by both parties, final signature had to be delayed until a duly elected government had been installed in Damascus and had received the necessary powers. The interval before formal signature was expected to be at least two months. Last November the police in Istanbul were compelled to draw their sabres to disperse a mob of 1500 Turk.ish students, who were making, a hostile demonstration outside the French consulate as a protest against France’s refusal to negotiate for the independence or return to Turkey of Antioch. The League Council considered the request 'of the Turkish Govei’nment about the dispute with France over Alexandretta and Antioch on, December. 19. Dr. Tevfik Rustu Aras. the Turkish Foreign Minister, and M. Vienot, representing France, stated their Governments’ cases. The council afterwards unanimously adopted a report by Mr R. I. Sandler, the Swedish Foreign Minister, and a resolution adjourning the merits question to the January session, noting the assurances given by the representatives of France and Turkey to contribute to a satisfactory solution, and deciding to send to Sanjanke and Alexandretta three observers to inform the council.