Change of German Policy in Turkey

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 209, 3 September 1941, Page 7

Change of German Policy in Turkey

Significance of von Papen’s Departure DEMAND FOR PASSAGE OF TROOPS WILL BE REFUSED United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Received Tuesday, 5.5 p.m. LONDON, Sept. 2. The Times’ Istanbul correspondent says von Papen s visit* to Germany alter every meeting oetween Hitler and Mussolini have become traditional, but tnis time there is a general reeling that his advertised complaint of a faoone in tne kidney may be more diplomatic than real ana useable eventually as a convenient excuse ior not returning to Turkey if circumstances compel him to relinquish ms post. During his stay in Turkey von Papen uas never ceased to repeat cnat there would be no Gerrnanxuraisn ciash while he was Ambassador, for wnic.u reason it is generally assumed tuat nis departure from Turkey will definitely mean a change rn German tactics cowards Turkey, if not a complete change of policy. Diplomatic circles soate that Italy last year favoured action against Turkey, but von raped averted the danger, it is also said that Italy was very dispieasea witd the xurco-Ger-man Face. Her relations with Turkey uespite tne Turco-German rapprochement remain very lukewarm. If Germany demanded a passage for German and Italian armies across Turkish territory towards tne Caucasus or Syria tnere is no doubt —and von Papen knows it —that Turkey’s reply would be an emphatic "no.’’ Consequently it may be considered practically certain that von Papen will not return to Turkey if harsh demands are made on Turkey.