ALLIANCE WITH TURKS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 97, 23 March 1940, Page 7

ALLIANCE WITH TURKS.

VALUABLE ASSET TO ALLIES. ItUGBY, March 21. The British alliance with Turkey, says the Manchester Guardian in a leading article, represents one difference between the lirst six months of this war and 1914 which can give us most comfort. “Turkey's enmity added greatly to our difficulties and to the length of the last war,” the paper says, “but the struggle ended with mutual respect. Now, in place of a redoubtable opponent, we have Turkey as an ally, and not the Turkey of the Sultan, but the efficient, renascicnt. State founded bv Mustapha Kemal.” After describing the German Soviet overtures to Turkey which- failed to prevent a formal alliance with the Western Powers, the leader continues: “Turkey lias been taking her engagements to us extremely seriously. Of the credits we have given her, £25 000.000 is being spent on armaments. The massive edifice the Allies have built .up in the Near East has Turkey for its cornerstone. “No wonder Turkey’s alliance with us impressed the Arabs. It was bound to have a strong influence on Iraq. Iran and Afghanistan. The importance of Turkey is far greater than her size. The back door into Europe, the newly-fortified Dardanelles. is >n Turkey’s power to open or close. In our struggle with Germany- this is a groat gain. As this war goes on Balkan supples will become increasingly necessary to Germany, but her power to have her own way in this vital area will be strictly limited while Turkey stands staunchly l>y the Allies.” . Ankara reports that further talks have l>egun between the \ ice-Chief of the Turkish General Staff (General As.simguin.luz) and the Allied military chiefs.