FRIENDSHIP WITH GERMANY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIX, Issue 21994, 20 June 1941, Page 5

FRIENDSHIP WITH GERMANY

TURKEY SIGNS PACT Unable To Withstand Pressure Bv Teleßranh—Press Association—Coovrlght (Rec. 6.30) LONDON, June 18. A pact of friendship and nonaggression has been signed between Germany and Turkey. Both countries bind themselves to mutually respect each others territorial integrity and not to take action against any country with which either of the parties has treaty obligations.

Representatives of both countries are to meet from time to time to discuss questions of mutual interest. The treaty, which is to be ratified in Berlin, will remain in force for a term of 10 years.

The treaty with Germany came as no surprise in London. The AngloTurkish Treaty recognises that Turkey is the best judge of what is best in her own interests.

In a preamble to the agreement it is stated that the treaty is concluded on the basis of mutual trust and sincere friendship “within the limits of the present commitments of both countries.” Thus the Anglo-Turkish Treaty is safeguarded. In spite of the well-known ingenuity with which the Nazis exert pressure on unwilling collaborators, the Turkish Government has effectively reduced the treaty to the bare limits of mutual respect of territory and the friendly discussion of questions of common interest. It may be safely assumed that these fall far short of the treaty which the Nazis hoped to impose. Herr von Papen and M. Saracoglu signed the treaty at Ankara. It will remain in force for 10 years. Within the limits of the present commitments of both countries Turkey and Germany agree

(1) To respect the integrity and inviolability of each other’s territory and not resort to any measures, direct or indirect, aimed against the other. (2) To settle questions touching upon common interests by friendly negotiation. (3) To promote as far as possible Turkish and German economic relaions “bearing in mind the opening presented by the economic structure of the two countries and using as the basis each country’s experience of the other in war”. Further, a treaty of economic collaboration will be negotiated. (4) The Turkish and German press and radio are to bear in mind the spirit of friendship and mutual trust animating their nations. Turkey is stated to have given no transit of German troops through her territory nor ceded the use, while Turkey’s control of the Dardanelles remains unchanged. M. Saracoglu made a statement that the treaty placed Turkish and German friendship on a solid basis. Other actual and existing obligations of the two parties were not affected and those obligations had not affected the conception of the treaty. A Wilhelmstrasse spokesman declared that the treaty showed that Britain could not break the Turkish and German friendship which had withstood the test of fire. Turkey was

convinced that Germany’s interests did not conflict with Turkey’s. The spokesman added that Turkey could depend on Germany not forgetting her friends.

Great Pressure Exerted The diplomatic correspondent of “The Times” says that Germany exerted great pressure on Turkey to sign the treaty after the German victories in the Near East resulted in a semi-circle of Axis forces on her borders. Turkey kept Britain informed throughout the negotiations. She put up considerable resistance and Germany did not obtain all she wished, although the clause providing for consultations on questions of mutual interest will certainly be used by Germany for further concessions. Turkey's attitude to Britain remains loyal, and her army will undoubtedly resist should the Germans attempt to cross the frontier, but these considerations obviously will not prevent German propaganda exploiting the success to the utmost. Behind the announcemet of the nact lies the storv of von Papen’s near failure to achieve success, says the diplomatic correspondent of the “Daily Express:” He started negotiations two months ago with demands sky high, but Turkey forced Germany to whittle down her terms. Turke”’s steadfast friendship suggests that the outcome will be nothing, although any agreement must be regarded as a diplomatic setback. The “Dally Mail” says the news of the pact was received regretfully in London, but- Turkev’s positicn is understood. She is liable to complete her rearmament which originally depended on supplies from France. Britain tried to fill the gap after France’s collapse, but found it impossible to do so. No Diplomatic Triumph It is authoritatively stated in Ankara that Germany and Turkey have signed an agreement enabling Turkey to administer the railway in Greek territory between Bulgaria and Turkey. The service must be resumed shortly. It is understood that Turkey’s refusal to sign the non-aggression treaty unless a clause was included safeguarding the Anglo-Turkish treaty, caused a long delay in the negotiations. Finally Berlin urgently instructed von Papen to sign as speedily as possible, even if the clause were included. Von Papen’s mein after initialling the pact was scarcely that of a successful diplomat pulling off a piece of work which German propaganda could hail as a triumph for the Reich but rather that of a dissatisfied, disgruntled and tired man fully realising that the Turkish policy would remain as formerly—an alliance with Britain and a desire to avoid being forced to war. Leading Turkish circles emphasise that this represents Turkey’s historical long-term policy. The French Minister to Sofia is visiting Istanbul for the funeral of the French Ambassador to Turkey. In a statement he denied reports that negotiations had occurred for the return of Syria to Turkey.