WAY BARRED, SAYS TURKISH PAPER

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 125, 20 February 1941, Page 7

WAY BARRED, SAYS TURKISH PAPER

Nazi Threat To Greece “THE TIMES” SPECULATES ANKARA POLICY Germans Diplomatically Active (By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Received .February 19. 8.55 p.m.) LONDON- February 18. German reconnaissance and photographic planes are flying daily over Greek Macedonia (south-west of Bulgaria). The German Minister in Athens is reported to have told the Greeks that Germany is keen for a settlement of the Italian-Greek war. The Germans have also spread reports that the lurkish-Bulgarian declaration of friendship has ruled out Turkish aid to Greece. ‘‘The Times” says that Germany assumes that the way to Salonika is now open, but this disregards many saving clauses which the lurks put into the agreement with Bulgaria, and the British aie moie than ever determined to help the Greeks, turkey knows what a Gennan threat to the Aegean Sea would mean. Her Straits would be threatened from the west as they are already from the north. 4 urkey knows also how the British strength in the eastern Mediterranean has grown, and the British-Turkish staff talks contained a promise of effective collaboration. However, the Turks would not embark on an impossible tasi<. “The Times” adds. The Turks have never promised to go to Bulgaria’s aid. and they decided some time ago not to risk wasting their strength in entering the Bulgarian uplands. Ihe Ihracian defences are strong, and the Turks can build up more strength behind them. It is learned in London that Turkey has now more than 300.000 troops in European Turkey.

The Turkish Press welcomes lhe Turkish-Bulgarian declaration. The “Yeni Sabah” says: ‘‘The heroism of our Greek allies will prove sufficient to dislodge the Italians from the Balkans in a very short time, because the way across Bulgaria is now closed to reinforcements to, the aggressor. Bulgaria has barred the way. This policy may serve as an example to Yugoslavia.” The ‘Tkdatn” says: "Peace in the Balkans can now be disturbed only by the Germans. We hope for the Balkans’ sake and also for the Germans’ sake that the German troops in Rumanian will not move further.” Demand to Yugoslavia.

The Yugoslav newspaper "Vrene” reported from Bucharest that King Boris of Bulgaria has again gone to Germany.

M. Siga Sol, a member of the Croat Peasant Party in Yugoslavia, in a speech to his constituents, said that the German terms to Yugoslavia include the passage of war materials, a large share of Yugoslavia’s agricultural production, and strictest neutrality. Rome has followed Berlin’s line of comment on the agreement between Turkey and Bulgaria, claiming that Britain had suffered a diplomatic defeat.

The Italian Propaganda .Ministry instructed the Press to give the greatest possible prominence to the development.

Sofia expects that Turkey will remain neutral if events in Bulgaria do not. directly threaten her. The Berlin radio announced that Russia and Bulgaria have begun trade negotiations in Moscow.