NEUTRAL BLOC IN BALKANS

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22850, 25 October 1939, Page 9

NEUTRAL BLOC IN BALKANS

Progress Reported In Negotiations

MOMENT SEEN AS PROPITIOUS (UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT.) (Received October 24, 10 p.m.) NEW YORK, October 23. The Bucharest correspondent of the “New York Times” says it is understood that plans to fotm a neutral bloc of south-eastern European States have reached serious negotiation. These in well-informed circles believe that the British-French-Turkish Pact excludes the possibility of war in the Balkans and therefore the moment is propitious for diplomatic action, the basis of which would necessarily be the status quo.

It is felt that Turkey, Greece and Jugoslavia would not object.

Apparently Bulgaria is following the Pan-Slav policy. hoping for Russian support, but-it is believed that the memory of the results of her last two wars inclines her to join.

Discussions are also proceeding with the object of involving Hungary in the bloc. It is believed that Italy w'ould like to join, obtaining in the Balkans de facto recognition of her position as a Balkan Power.

The Sofia correspondent of the “New York Times” states that six members of the last Bulgarian Cabinet are among the 10 in the new Cabinet, leading to the assumption that the foreign policy is unchanged. From Budapest it is reported that Rumania’s Government newspapers declare that Rumania is willing to join an Italian-led neutral Balkan bloc to prevent further southeastern expansion by Germany and Russia. Hungary and Jugoslavia are already working closely with Signor Mussolini.

ALLIED TO TURKEY

DENIAL OF REPORT FROM ANKARA (Received October 24, 7 p.m.) LONDON, October 23. A Foreign Office announcement stated that reports from Ankara of a large British loan to Turkey are without authority, but there have been conversations between the British, French, and Turkish Governments regarding financial assistance to Turkey. Arrangements are being made under this heading in the general spirit of the newly-concluded treaty. It is announced that a British and French visit will be made to Turkey to discuss credit arrangements. It is expected that an agreement will be made to provide for - the absorption by Britain of a large proportion of Turkey’s exports; No announcement has been made regarding the nature or dimensions of any loan involved in the negotiations. The Prime Ministers of Turkey and Iraq have exchanged congratulatory, telegrams op the signing of the British-French-Turkish Pact. The Prime Minister of Turkey (Refik Saydam), replying to _ the ■.telegram sent by the Prime Minister of Iraq (General Nuri es-Said), said; “Our common purpose is to establish peace and contentment, and there is no doubt that it is a source of gratification and pride to us that this purpose' should be upheld by the friendship of our dear neighbour Iraq, providing a strong basis on which to establish common interests.”

TURKEY AND THE SOVIET

SARACOGLU REPORTS ON

MOSCOW TALKS

(Received October 24, 10.30 p.m.)

ANKARA, October 24.

The Foreign Minister (Sukru Saracoglu) reviewed the Moscow talks for two hours before the Republican People’s Party, after which the following communique was issued: — “The precis given of the ideas exchanged and reciprocal declarations showing the sincerity of the friendship between Turkey and Russia was received with satisfaction.” GOLD SENT FROM POLAND GERMAN SUGGESTION DENIED (BRITISH OFFICIAL WIRELESS.) RUGBY, October 23. The German wireless 'suggests that the gold of the Polish National Bank was removed from Poland before the German occupation, and may be handed to Turkey by Britain. This is, of course, entirely untrue. The gold is Poland’s property, and Poland alone has power to dispose of it. FRENCH BUDGET FOR NEXT YEAR

(Received October 24, 10 p.m.)

PARIS, October 23

Parliament will meet in November, when the 1940 Budget will be submitted.