TURKISH OFFER TO MEDIATE

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21414, 7 May 1941, Page 6

TURKISH OFFER TO MEDIATE

Turkey’s offer to mediate in the trouble that has arisen between Britain and Rashid Ali’s Government in Irak is a further indication of the desire of the Turks to further the interests of the Allied cause. Britain has made the only reasonable reply, that while the oiler is fully appreciated, withdrawal of the troops which attacked the air base at Habbaniyah is a necessary pre-requisite to the discussion of a settlement. Britain would in any case have difficulty in making terms, possibly involving concessions, with a rebel leader who apparently does not represent anything like a majority of the Irak people. Such an agreement might easily be unfair to Britain and Irak alike.

Turkey’s anxiety for a peaceful settlement can well be understood. The development of war on a large scale in Irak and the surrounding territory would certainly involve the Turks in grave difficulties and perhaps make the maintenance of neutrality impossible. Turkey is painfully aware that she stands on the route to the east which the Germans plan to take. The menace of hostilities in the rear has now been added to the German threat from Greece. Only considerations of their own convenience deter the Germans from marching through Turkey to aid the Iraki rebels on ground that is highly important strategically. As soon as Germany is relieved of her fear of the consequences, Turkish territory will promptly be violated if Germany still has the power to strike. There can be no question that Britain is eager to settle the trouble in Irak on honourable terms. But Rashid Ali’s rebel Government has not even been recognised as the legal Government of the country. How, then, could Britain make terms with what it regards as an illegal representative ? The Irak people have a problem to solve among themselves, and a solution is urgently necessary. If the majority desire a settlement with Britain they must make up their minds whether they will allow Rashid Ali to speak and act for them. He is a paid instrument of Germany and not of the Irak nation. In the meantime his revolt has been costly. Already his small air force has practically been wiped out of existence. It should not be difficult for the real spirit of the Irak people to find expression.