AGREEMENT OF FRIENDSHIP

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 124, 19 February 1941, Page 7

AGREEMENT OF FRIENDSHIP

Ankara And Sofia

SPECULATION IN EUROPE

London Fully Confident Of Turkish Loyalty (By Telegraph.—Press Astu. —Copyright. 1 (Received February 18, 9.15 p.m.) LONDON. February 18. Turkey and Bulgaria jointly announced in Sofia last night tnai they have concluded the following agreement, without prejudice to their contracted agreements with other countries: — First, Turkey and Bulgaria consider that: an unchanging basis ut their foreign policy is to abstain from aggression. Secondly, Turkey and Bulgaria, mutually inspired with the iriendliest of intentions, are determined to develop good-neighbourly relations. Thirdly, they will develop mutual trade to the maximum compatible with their economic structure. Finally, the Governments hope that this reaffirmed friendship will inspire their newspapers. The Turkish Foreign Minister, M. Saracoglu, and the Bulgaiiau Minister to Ankara, signed the declaration at the I'urkish Foreign Office. The declaration has aroused speculation throughout Europe. Ihi Axis is declaring it to be a diplomatic victory for Hitler, which has sealed the fate of Greece and squeezed Britain from her last foothold in South-eastern Europe, but confidence is expressed in London of Turkey’s loyalty, there being no reason to suppose that turkey has departed in the smallest degree from her friendship with Britain.

It is officially stated in Sofia that the declaration is not a pact, and in spite of a reference in the preamble of the declarations to a Turkish-Bulgarian Pact of Perpetual Friendship, n<> pact of any kind was recently signed. The Bulgarian Foreign Minister, M. I’opoff, said: “If the scope of the agreement is modest, at least it is proof of the sincere love for peace that animates the two countries.”

A message from Ankara reports that M. Saracoglu, after the signature of the agreement, said: “Small things can occasionally bring about great events and cause much good. This modest agreement can perhaps prevent complications in the BallittliS. *

Bulgaria, according to an uncoulirmed report, lias opened discussions with Yugoslavia regarding the territorial differences.

The Hungarian Minister of Education has gone to Sofia: with a large delegation to sign a culturaj convention with Bulgaria. The Sofia corresimndent of the "Daily Express” says a reliable source reveals that Germany has asked Russia to persuade Turkey to change her attitude toward German military action in the Balkans. The German Legation in Sofia announced that RussianTurkish negotiations are proceeding. The Germans are running many petrol trains from Rumania to Bulgaria. They will bring in 200 new railway oil-tankers this week. No Turldsh “Blunder.” LONDON, February 17. Turkish official circles, while not defining Turkey’s attitude in the case of German partial and total occupation of Bulgaria, declare that she will not commit the blunder of allowing the establishment of bases in Bulgaria for ultimate aggression, says the Istanbul correspondent of the Exchange Telegraph Company. Most estimates, the correspondent states, give only two or three weeks before the German offensive is launched in the Balkans. Diplomatic circles in contact with the Axis Powers express the opinion that Germany will attack at several points, choosing a weak spot for the decisive blow, and that she hopes to bring Japan into the war with a view to Immobilizing the maximum number of British forces in the various theatres of war. The Ankara radio states that all lighthouses have been blacked out in a zone extending 15 miles south and north of the Rumanian port of Constanza, on the Black Sea. The entire area has been declared dangerous for shipping. Yugoslav Sacrifices. Au Istanbul message states that the tinal phases of repression as a result of the disturbances in Rumania have enabled Germany io secure control of the railways, telephones, and police. German effectives comprise half a million men, the greater part ol whom are immobilized in Moldavia along the Soviet frontier. A Belgrade message says that Dr. Kulenovitch, Yugoslav Minister without. portfolio, states that the visit of ihe Premier to Germany had secured the future of Yugoslavia (says the Press Association). "The Government, under the Prince Regent, lias done everything to maintain peace, and will continue its efforts,” be said. "We must bear the sacrifices made on the altar of peace.” The Belgrade correspondent of the "livening Standard” says that in spite if Government hints of sacrifices, the Yugoslav army is solidly against territorial concessions. The general staff does not favour Hitler’s offer of part of Albania and the port of Salonika If Yugoslav aligns herself with the new order. British Aim in Balkans. The British Minister to Solia, Mr. G. W. Rendcl, in an interview today -aid : "The British policy aims at the maintenance of Bulgaria’s neutrality and independence. We have no intention of taking any initiative or of involving Bulgaria in war. We aim to prevent the war from spreading to Bulgaria. If Bulgaria loses her neutrality and becomes involved in war it will be solely and directly on Germany’s initiative. Britain will welcome a development of close and friendly relations between Bulgaria and her neighbours. Whether the Legation remains depends solely on Ihe German movements.” The German mission in Bulgaria ha:irr:>iigrvd for 1000 workmen and farmhands to go Io German.'. "Come Soon and Bomb I s.” Sir Reginald Hottie. British Ambus--ador at Bucharest, who lias arrived ■it Istanbul, said. “One of my hist acts was to hand to General Antonescu a British protest regarding the sending of 3000 Polish refugees from Rntmtni.-i to Germany. The breaking oil ol re lations between Britain and Rumania was inevitable when the Germans look over the country completely Most Rumanians, like the British, regretted the break. -My iasl chai with General \titon•■scu was a friendly one. He said it was most unkind of us to break off re-

lations with Rumania and not with Hungary. The General seems to be trying to convince himself that Germany will win.”

It is revealed that some Rumanian friends whispered to Sir Reginald Hoare at the station: "Come soon and bomb us.”

Mr. Kendall, British Consul at Constanza, who has also arrived, said that 45,000 German troops are concentrated at Constanza. Mr. Kendall declared that for three months German soldiers outside the Consulate did not allow him to leave.