BRITAIN'S NEWEST ALLY

Greymouth Evening Star, 19 September 1939, Page 11

BRITAIN'S NEWEST ALLY

ItISCBNT CHANCES IN TUHKBY. The thought uppermost in the minds of most men towards the end of Kemal Ataturk’s life was whether the regime would survive him. The Turkish nation appears to be answering that question in the. affirmative (writes Arthur Merton). The change-over last November produced none of the perturbations which might reasonably have been expected to follow the disappearance of the ::trsoii«>’Ry dominating the situation. It was carried out with a tranquillity that astonished even old residents. The reason was that Ataturk had himself prepared the way. Early on he had selected the man who should succeed him, and he had throughout been careful to ensure that a sufficient number of men wedded to the ideals of his regime should be available to secure its continuation in all its phases.

Ataturk marked out Ismet Ineunu immediately after his great defeat of the Greeks at the place from which he has taken his name. He sent him to obtain diplomatic experience, first at Mudania and afterwards at Lausanne, where he covered Himself with laurels. Then he nominated him Prime Minister. Ismet remained his trusted henchman and confidant and was associated with all his reforms throughout the 14 years which culminated in his dismissal in 1937. That dismissal did not, as so many believed, show Ataturk’s loss of confidence in his comrade in arms. Those in close touch with affairs at the time affirm that already, when the separation was decreed, Ataturk was under the psychological influence of the which finally defeated him. It is certain that the break reacted on his health and hastened his end. Ismet retained his affection up to the last, as is proved by the j authenticated stories of how Ataturk wept whenever his name was mentioned and’ by the provision in his will, signed shortly before his death, that Ismet’s sons should be educated at the expense of his personal estate.

When the end came the country instinctively turned to the man who had shared with its idol in the heat and burden of the national regeneration. Loyal to his old chief, who in spite of his ill-treatment he still revered and loved, Ismet had held entirely aloof from public affairs after his dismissal. But the people had not forgotten him, and the Assembly’s unanimous election’ of Ismet to the Presidency was received in the country at large with equal unanimity. No two men more dissimilar in character and temperament could well be conceived —Ataturk with his disregard for detail, his concentration on essentials, his impulsiveness, his courageous obedience to and sublime confidence in his own inspiration; Ismet attentive to detail, persevering, placid, temperate, cautious, tolerant. It was perhaps, just these contrary qualities that riiade them such an admirable team. It was because he no doubt recognised that Ismet complemented him that Ataturk chose him first as his close, confidant, and later, when convinced that he believed in the regiine, as his successor. Ismet is in full agreement with the policy underlying the regime. He has the same conceptions as Ataturk of the functions of the State. Like him, he comes of a class which has suffered most from absolute power, and like him he visualises a regeneration of Turkey on democratic lines. IMPROVED CONDITIONS.

Everywhere there is evidence of contentment under the new chief. Living conditions have improved, though they still leave 'much to be desired. Public security remains good; justice continues to be dispensed evenhandedly. The Budget balances with a surplus which enables the Government to devote funds for development schemes. But the need for defence makes it impossible to continue the policy of tax-remission followed in the'past. All over the countryside are signs of activity and industry, and an alertness among the provincial officials I which, to those who knew the old Turkey, speaks eloquently of the stirring of the national soul which has taken place. Angora itself is symptomatic of the

nation’s development. The past 18 months have witnessed remarkable extension both in buildings and amenities. It is now a vast and most attractive oasis, a source of constant wonderment to those who remembei what a desert area this was but 14 years ago. Education, particularly technical proceeds apace. But although the educational Budget is annually increased, it still cannot keep level with the demands for facilities which come froni every class in the land. In a sparsely-populated country it is difficult to provide schools wherever they are wanted. Particularly is this so in Turkey, where 32,000 of the 40,000 villages which exist have fewer than 400 inhabitants. The problem is beingmet by an arrangement whereby recruits who possess the primary certificate and 1 attain the rank of sergeant are given a special course, after which they return to their villages, where they receive a plot of land and serve as “egatmen” (educators) for their fellow-villagers.

Women continue to play an increasing part in the social and economic development of the country. They .are particularly interested in aviation. Students who obtain their secondary certificates, girls as well as boys, usually g« to a camp run by the Turkish Bird Association, where they receive instruction in gliding preparatory to a proper flying course. Those who obtain their certificates as mechanics and pilots quickly find employment. Politically the situation remains unchanged. The new Cabinet under Ismet’s old friend, Dr. Rafik Saydam, contains first-class men who have given solidity to the regime. One reform has been made which, if successful, will mark a great development in the political education of the people.

While the Press enjoys complete liberty of opinion provided its criticisms are reasonable and moderate, the new President has introduced into parliamentary life an “Opposition.” This is not altogether an innovation, since in 1930 Ataturk, feeling that the one-party system did not sufficiently ensure democratic control of the Administration, formed what he called the Liberal Party. Its head was Fethi Okyar, one of his intimate friends, later Ambassador in London and now Minister of Justice. The experiment was not, however, a success. It was probably Ataturks’ one failure. Ismet has followed' somewhat different' lines. Instead bf : a new party he has formed a gioup within the People’s Party, throtigh which' the country is governed. This party now has a “Government” and an “Opposition” group, over each of which Ismet is president, the Opposition group being quite free from party discipline. Of the 441 members comprising the People’s Party 21 form the Opposition, who are nominated by the President, and elected for four years by the Party Congress. Their function is to see that the Government acts according to the policy laid down.