PACT OF MUTUAL ASSISTANCE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20073, 20 October 1939, Page 7

PACT OF MUTUAL ASSISTANCE

AGREEMENT TO LAST 15 YEARS

MILITARY STAFF TALKS COMMENCED

MR. CHAMBERLAIN’S CONGRATULATIONS

COLLABORATION IN COMMON AIMS

(Elec. Tel. Copyright— United Press Assn.) (Reed. Get. 20, 12 noon.) LONDON, Oct. 19. It was announced in London, Paris and Ankara to-day that pacts of mutual assistance had been signed between Turkey, and Britain and Prance.

The pacts are for a term of 15 years and include a provision under which Turkey gives a specific pledge to aid the Allies if the latter are called upon to fulfil their obligations to Rumania and Greece.

The following are the main points of the treaty: The British and French Governments undertake to come to. the assistance of Turkey if an act of aggression is committed against Turkey by a European Power and in the event of an act of aggression by a European Power leading to war in the Mediterranean area in which Turkey is involved. The Turkish Government agrees to come to the assistance of the British and French Governments in the event of an act of aggression by a European Power leading to war in the Mediterranean area in which the United Kingdom and France are involved and if the United Kingdom and France are engaged in hostilities by virtue of either of their guarantees to Greece or Rumania of April 13, 1939.

“Proof of Collaboration” It is reporled front Paris that the pacts provide for:— (1) Automatic mutual assistance in the Eastern Mediterranean.

(2) 'Turkish assistance if the Western Powers are compelled to execute their guarantees 1o Greece ami Rumania.

(3) Diplomatic consultations regarding Balkan questions.

An Ankara message states that General Weygarni, of the French General Staff, and General A. P. Waved, Commanding the British Forces in the Middle East, both arrived by air last night for staff talks with the Turkish General Staff. General Waved (lew from Alexandria and General Wevgand from Beirut. The talks will commence this morning.

The Prime Minister, Mr. Neville Chamberlain, has sent the following telegram to the Turkish Prime Minister: “I would like to convey to Your Excellency a personal message of good wishes and congratulations on the conclusion of the Angfo-French-Turkish treaty of mutual assistance which has been signed to-day. I welcome this additional proof of the resolve of our three countries to collaborate in furthering our common interests, and look forward to continuing this cooperation in pursuing the policy laid down in the treaty we have just signed.”