TURKEY AND THE ALLIES

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23537, 15 January 1942, Page 6

TURKEY AND THE ALLIES

* British Ambassador Denies Rumours POSSIBLE GERMAN MOVE DISCUSSED (Received January 14, 7 p.m.) LONDON. January 13. Several rumours started by the Germans were scotched effectively by the British Ambassador to Turkey Sir Hughe Knatchbull-Hugcsscn), speaking to journalists in Ankara. He described as fantastic the report that Britain at the recent Moscow talks had agreed that Russia should control the Dardanelles. Sir Hughe assured the journalists that Russia had no designs on Turkey. He also ridiculed reports that Britain and Russia wore to divide Iran, and

said that both countries had agreed to respect Iran's independence. He also described reports that Britain and Russia would attack Turkey as impossible. He told the journalists that M. Molotov, the Soviet Foreign Commissar, had asked him about Turkey’s attitude to the present situation. To this he had replied: “Under Kemal Ataturk the Turks fought for their independence and won. They will fight again if their independence is threatened, but otherwise they will remain neutral. M. Molotov concurred with this view," Asked whether the Russians thought the Germans would attack Turkey. Sir Hughe replied: “The Russians share cur view that where a lunatic is conducting an orchestra it is impossible to predict what tune will be played.” INDUSTRIES TO BE MOVED N.S.W. GOVERNMENT’S INTENTIONS EVACUATION FROM COASTAL AREAS (Received January 14, 7 p.m.) SYDNEY, January 14. The Premier of New South Wales (Mr W. J. McKell) announced in Parliament the State Government’s intention to move vital industries from exposed coastal sites in New South Wales. “Cost what it may.” he said, “we must immediately set about the task of planning the evacuation of industry which, while safeguarding £psshould we suffer invasion or ’ heavy attacks from tue sea, would not interfere with the production of urgently needed war supplies. While the Government is definitely opposed to any general civilian evacuation at the moment, voluntary evacuation is being encouraged.” The Premier also announced that the State Government would provide financial assistance for the Federal Government in establishing defence works in New South Wales. MILK SHORTAGE IN SYDNEY RATIONING TO BEGIN . TO DAY PROLONGED DROUGHT IN N.S.W. SYDNEY, January 14. Because of the drought in New South Wales the rationing of milk, bulk and bottled, will begin in Sydney to-morrow. There will be an allround reduction of approximately 10 per cent, in supplies to homes, shops, milk bars, and hotels. Full supplies will be maintained to hospitals and similar institutions. The Minister for Health (Mr Kelly* raid that rationing was unavoidable because of the appalling conditions in the dairying districts. The entire collapse of milk production in some districts is feared unless rain fglls soon. LARGE VESSEL TORPEDOED 94 PERSONS LOSE LIVES NEW YORK, January 13. The Canadian press reports that a large steamship was torpedoed and mink 160 miles off Nova Scotia within the last 36 hours. Ninety-four lives were lost and 89 were saved. The sinking occurred nearer the North American coast than any hitherto reported.