BOLT FROM THE BLUE

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 120, 16 February 1944, Page 5

BOLT FROM THE BLUE

Abrupt Ending Of AngloTurkish Talks (Received February 15, 8.30 p.m.) LONDON, February 14. Anglo-Turkish staff talks which las.t'ed for five weeks concluded recently in Turkey, reports Reuter’s Cairo correspondent. The members of the British staff delegation have returned to the Middle East.

Anglo-Turkish friendship will overcome the “stagnation” in the talks between the two countries says the leading Turkish newspaper “Aksam.” “We do not know whether the talks actually stopped or reached a deadlock. We are convinced that Anglo-Turkish friendship which is not based on exploitation of either partner will reconsolidate the Anglo-Turkish alliance. “Decisions about war and peace lie with the Governments. It is a fundamental mistake to regard the Turks as a nation which shuns war and death, or as a flock of sheep who can be led at wilt When the Government decides tliat it is necessary to go to war, the nation, too, will be ready for a national war.” The Ankara correspondent of the "Daily Teelgraph” says: “The announcement of the departure of the British military mission came as a bolt from the blue, and the abrupt termination of th# talks is interpreted throughout Turkey as. indicating a deadlock. Competent observers make certain criticisms of the Turkish preparations, including failure to organize adequate A.R.P., improve communications, and stock essential supplies.

“The fact is that Turkey is not prepared for war today, and we must get used to that idea. Turkish official circles say that Turkey was asked to go to war on January 1. It was their intention, however, to make entry dependent on a number of guarantees in addition to the question of supply.”