REINFORCED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 112, 15 May 1939, Page 7

REINFORCED

GREAT IMPORTANCE STRESSED TURKEY AS AN ALLY RELATIONS WITH ARAB WORLD AND SOVIET t British Official Wireless. J Received May 14, 6.30 p.m. "RUGBY, May 13. The satisfaction with which Mr. Chamberlain’s statement in the House of Commons yesterday on the understanding with Turkey has been received, is reflected in the Press comment. The successful conclusion of the preliminary negotiations with Turkey—for a definite agreement has to be drawn up—is linked by several commentators with the signature the day before at Bucharest of the AngloRumanian trade agreement, and the two events are taken as constituting both a reinforcement of the deterrents to use force in international disputes, thus aiding the restoration of confidence and a contribution to the peaceful development of economic exchange, thus laying the foundation of a prosperity in which all cah share when peace is secured. The great importance of the understanding with Turkey in its implications, both in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Balkans, is everywhere stressed, and The Times and Guardian, in almost identical terms, calls attention to the significace of Turkey’s place in relation to the Arab world and her relations with the Soviet. In view of the latter, both newspapers * confidently look for more rapid proI gress in the Anglo-Russian negotiations, to which the prospective meeting at Geneva between Lord Halifax and M. Potemkin, it is suggested, should also make a valuable contribution. The Times deals by anticipation with charges that the new agreement is an addition to the “encirclement” of Germany, which reports from Berlin show have, in fact, been put forward. The Times asks how AngloTurkish opposition to encroachment upon the rights and liberties of neighbouring nations can be regarded as encirclement of Germany, and claims that German antagonism to this development is entirely unwarranted on any grounds save only that. German policy in South-east Europe should not really be as pacific as German spokesmen constantly assure the world it is. The great material and strategic importance of this reinforcement of the anti-aggression front, as the Daily Telegraph calls it, is not overlooked in present-day comment. These factors are fully discussed by the Telegraph itself and several other papers, both in their present-day implications and against the lessons of the past war. The News-Chronicle concludes with the observation that “in the Great War the friendship of Turkey to Germany was certainly more important than the alliance of Italy to Britain and France,” and adds: “If an exchange has had to be made, there are no military grounds for regretting it.” • AGREEMENT WITH FRANCE ALEXANDRETTA AND SANJAK UNDER TURKISH RULE Received May 14, 6.35 p.m. LONDON, May 13. The Central News learns on high authority that an agreement between France an I Turkey similar to that between England and Turkey, will be concluded within the next fortnight. Il will contain references to Sanjuk and Alexandretta, which will come under Turkish rule when the agreement i» enforced. SYRIAN INDEPENDENCE FRANCE REMAINS FAITHFUL TO PROMISE. Received May 14, 7.20 p.m. BEIRUT, May 13. The French High Commissioner, M. Puaux, in a broadcast, said that France I remains faithful to her promise to i give Syria independence. In this connection she desires an agreement as I soon as possible with the Syrian Government on the basis of the principles 1 already agreed to.