TURKISH AID

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 105, 30 October 1940, Page 7

TURKISH AID

NO REQUEST MADE

PARLIAMENT TO MEET

WATCHING FUTURE MOVES

{By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright.) (Received October 30, noon.)

LONDON. October 29,

It is officially stated in Istanbul that no request for Turkish aid has been received from Greece. The Turkish Parliament will reassemble on November 1.

It is officially stated that Turkey will continue her preparations for the celebration of the seventeenth anniversary of tiie founding of the Republic

Hundreds of young Greeks flocked to the Consulate at Istanbul to seek repatriation in order to join the army. Six hundred were packed in the first train across the frontier.

The Istanbul correspondent of the British United Press says that the Turks will aid the Greeks if General Metaxas puts up the semblance of a fight. They are prepared to meet any threat to their own interests regardless of the outcome of the situation in Greece.

The Government newspaper "Ulus" says: "We are passing through a test of fate, demanding clear hearts, strong confidence., and complete co-operation to the death. We prefer the hell of war to a dishonourable peace. We recognise no limit of sacrifice."

In Ankara there is a general belief that Turkey's policy will be one of non-belligerency. However, it is emphasised that this does not mean that Turkey is disinterested in the outcome of the conflict. Turkey's attitude is likely to be dictated by future developments.

One Turkish newspaper says today that the spark of war has exploded in the Balkans, and adds: "We must expect it to extend to the other Balkan States."

The King has sent the following telegram to the President of Turkey: "On this day, when Turkey is celebrating the foundation of the Republic, I take great pleasure in sending you my cordial greetings, together with heartfelt wishes for your personal welfare and the prosperity of the great Turkish nation."