EXECUTION OF P.M.

Press, Volume C, Issue 29623, 20 September 1961, Page 11

EXECUTION OF P.M.

Criticism In London

IN.Z.P. A.-Reuter—Copyright) LONDON, September 18. The London ‘’Daily Telegraph” today criticised the “savage outcome” of the mass political trial in Turkey and claimed that this has caused world-wide shock.

The newspaper commented: “It has long been customary for successful revolutionaries to liquidate members of the ousted government, but Turkey’s friends expected better of her new rulers than that they would follow the bloody example of General Kassem and Dr. Castro. “When the Army overthrew the Menderes regime in the coup of May 27 last year General Gursel said it was not intended to put anyone on trial. Perhaps he now regrets that he changed his mind.

. “The 11-month trial of 600 defendants can have done little to enhance the prestige of his military junta. Its savage outcome has caused world-wide shock.”

The “Daily Telegraph” continued: “To disciples of Musptha KemaL the charge against Mr Menderes and his fellow victims was no doubt a serious one. The creator of modern Turkey jealously guarded the Constitution, and offences against it are among the gravest crimes known to Turkish law.

“No doubt, too, that in the face of mounting opposition, the Menderes regime attempted to stifle it by measures which. Western countries would regard as repressive. But this scarcely justified the execution of Mr Menderes, Mr Zorlu and Mr Polatkan. “Whatever its shortcomings at home, the Menderes regime was a loyal ally of the West," the newspaper said.