Late News FOREIGN POLICY

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 203, 25 May 1944, Page 6

Late News FOREIGN POLICY

Survey In House Of Commons GENERAL EMPIRE APPROVAL (By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Received May 25. 1.30 a.m.) LONDON, May 24. The House of Commons was crowded today when Mr. Churchill made a statement opening a two-day debate on foreign affairs. Referring to the 1 rime Ministers’ conference, Mr. Churchill said "I should not pretend that we arrived a. hard-and-fast conclusions and precise decisions upon all questions tormenting this afflicted globe, but, having discussed many of them, there was revealed a core of agreement which will enable the British Empire and Commonwealth to meet in discussions with the other great organisms in the word in firmly united ar “Nothing was more remarkable than the cordial agreement expressed by every one of the Dominion Prime Ministers in the general conduct of foreign affairs ana the principles governing that conduct, and for the skill and consistency with which Mr. Eden has treated them. The utmost confidence was expressed in Ins handling of these very difficult affairs.. “We therefore embark upon the present debate with a backing of hearty goodwill from all these representatives of the Commonwealth and Empire. Reproach to Turks. ‘ Mr Churchill continued: “Turkey has not measured with 'sufficient accuracy what might occur in Rumania and Bulgaria and, I may add, Hungary. We with great regret have discontinued rearming Turkey. It looks probable that in spite of our disappointment in. the Aegean the Allies will be able to win the war in the Balkans and generally throughout South-east Europe without Turkey being involved, though, of course, Turkey’s aid would be a great help m accelerating the progress. “We have not put pressure on Turkey other than the pressure of argument and not giving her the supplies which . we needed for ourselves and other nations, but the course Turkey has so far taken will not, in my view, secure for the Turks a strong position at the peace, which they would attend upon their joining the Allies.” Mr. Churchill noted that good service had been rendered to the Allies by Turkey's decision completely to' cease chrome exports to Germany. ana said: “It is not too much to expect that this assistance to us will shortly be extended to cover other commodities. The Turks entered into relations with us before the war when things were very black. They did their best in difficult times: but. I have thought it better to put it bluntly today. Notwithstanding anything I have said in criticism, we hope with increasing confidence that a still better day wlil dawn for lurkey’s relations with Britain and the other Allies.” Spanish Risk Passed. Referring to Spain, Mr. Churchill said: “When Sir Samuel Hoare went to Madrid almost four years ago it seemed, almost certain that Spain, would join the victorious Germans in the war against Britain. I have no doubt the Germans suggested that they should undertake the seizure of Gibraltar in return for the virtual occupation of Spain. There is no doubt that if the Spaniards had yielded to the German blandishments our burden would have been much heavier. The Straits of Gibraltar would have been closed and all access to Malta from the west cut off, and the. Spanish coast would have become a nesting place for U-boats. “Sir Samuel Hoare deserves credit for his influence, but the main credit undoubtedly is due to the Spanish resolve to keep out of the war. The critical moment passed, and the Battle of Britain was won. I have no sympathy with those who think it clever and funny to abuse the Spanish Government. “I have confidence in the new Italian Government, but it will require further strengthening and broadening. It is understood throughout Italy that it is the Allies’ first intention when the Germans are driven out of Italy that the Italians shall decide whatever, form of democratic Government they desire. ' “Italy’s fate, indeed, is terrible. 1 personally find it most difficult to nourish animosity against the Italian people. It is clear that the Allies will clear the Germans out of Italy, but what the Germans will do on the. way out in destniction cannot be imagined or forecast. '' e shall do our utmost to make the ordeal short, with as' little destruction as possible. We have great hopes that Rome will be preserved from destruction. Mr. Churchill said that Britain had ceased sending .supplies td the forces under General Mikhailovitch in Yugoslavia. He disclosed that the recent mutiny ot Greek forces in.the Middle East was put down by British troops moving against the Greek troops, who laid down their arms. One British officer was killed.