ASSURING TURKEY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20634, 14 August 1941, Page 5

ASSURING TURKEY

AID IF ATTACKED BRITAIN AND RUSSIA NO AGGRESSIVE INTENT (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (British Official Wireless.) Reed. 11.30 a.m. RUGBY. Aug. 13. There is a general feeling in London that Turkey will sign a non-aggression trade pact with Russia. It is reported that Britain and Russia have guaranteed to help Turkey if she is attacked, and have assured her that they have no aggressive intentions. Among the many reasons for satisfaction at the joint declaration by the U.S.S.R. and Britain to Turkey is that a public and final answer has now been given to German-inspired rumours that surreptitious bargaining is going on of an anti-Turkish character between the two Powers who are fighting German aggression. The specific declaration as to the sanctity of Turkish territory cannot fail to dispose of Nazi efforts to create a feeling of uncertainty in Turkish minds, while the Soviet pledge of aid, going far beyond the promise of neutrality given in March, provides an assurance which will do much to increase Turkish self-confidence and determination to resist Nazi pressure. The declaration is a concrete illustration of the British policy in the Middle East, which was defined by Mr. Anthony Eden in the House of Commons on August 6, when he said: “For all the countries in that area we have only one policy. We wish to see them lead their own lives in security and peace.” No Longer Rivals Commenting on one aspect of the situation now created, the Daily Telegraph says: “It is obvious that if the present conditions had existed when the tripartite agreement between Britain, France and Turkey was signed two years ago. there would have been no need for a protocol absolving Turkey from obligations to take up arms if such action was to involve her in conflict with Russia. What Nazi aggression has now unintentionally achieved is to make Britain and Russia no longer rivals, but partners in a policy which has as its objective the establishment of peace in the Middle East. This is the very result for which British diplomats have long been working, and in the attainment of this result the Soviet Ambassador to London, M. Maisky, has been able to give most valuable assistance.

“The immediate effect of the joint declaration should be to make more remote from Turkey the prospect of becoming an unwilling battle-ground and to give a reassurance, not only to her neutrality, but to her independence. It is an indication of Turkey’s growing confidence that she should have agreed to the declaration being published.” The German radio stated yesterday that Hitler had summoned Herr von Papen, the German Ambassador to Turkey, to Berlin for consultation.