STAUNCH ALLY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24254, 23 March 1940, Page 11

STAUNCH ALLY

TURKEY'S ATTITUDE CHANGE SINCE LAST WAR ALLIANCE WITH BRITAIN INFLUENCE IN NEAR EAST (British Official Wireless) (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegrahp— Copyright) RUGBY, Mar. 21. (Received Mar. 22, at 7 p.m.) The British alliance with Turkey, says the Manchester Guardian in a leading article, represents the one difference between the first 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 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 sultans but an efficient renascent State founded by Mustapha Kemal."

After describing the German and Soviet overtures to Turkey, which failed to prevent a formal alliance with the western Powers, the leader continues: " Turkey has 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 has impressed the Arabs and it is bound to have a strong influence in Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan. The importance of Turkey is far greater than her size.- The back door into Europe—the newly fortified Dardanelles—it is in Turkey's power to open or close. In our struggle with Germany this is a great gain. As this war goes on Balkan supplies 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 by the Allies."