DEFENCE OF TURKEY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 29, 16 March 1942, Page 5

DEFENCE OF TURKEY

RESULTS OF MOSCOW CONFERENCE EFFECT ON TURKISH OPINION

Results of the recent Moscow con-

fere nee arc preoccupying foreign diplomatic circles here, especially as the British Ambassador to Turkey, Sir Hugh Ivnatchbull-Hugesson, Avas present at Mr Anthony Eden's discussions in Moscoav. Informed circles in London lnrvc also announced that the possible defence of Turkey and the Caucasus in case of attack was discussed during the Moscoav coiwersations, and undoubtedly the

recent energetic of Allied diplomacy have impressed Turkish public opinion, writes Derek Patmore in a special dispatch to the "Christian Science Monitor" from Istanbul 011 January 2. Hoavca*c:-, Ankara doesn't anticipate any immediate crisis, but it is realised that Avorld eA r ents arc moving so fast that anything is possible in the coming year. According to foreign diplomatic circles here, the most significant passage in the official communique issued at the conclusion of the Moscoav talks is the statement declaring that Mr Eden and M. Stalin found themselves particularly in agreement on the necessity of completely smashing Hitler's Germany. Axis Propaganda Belied Recently Axis propaganda in this country lias been trying to insinuate that the Russians might be prepared to make a separate peace Avith the Nazis should Hitler evacuate all Russian territory, and many Press commentaries to this effect been published. The latest Moscoav declarations give a direct lie to this latest, Nazi propaganda invention, and once again it is impressed on the Turkish nation that Russia is determined to fight Germany until final victory is Avon. The other point in the Moscoav communique folloAving the Stalin-Eden talks Avhich aroused much interest is the passage referring to reorganisation of Europe after the Avar. It is uoav generally admitted that Russia' is destined to play an important role in post-Avar Europe, especially in Eastern European countries. Pan-Slav Bloc Emerging The fact that Poland has already made peace Avith Russia is an extremely encouraging sign and the possibility of a great Pan-Slav bloc is rapidly becoming a distinct postwar possibility. Czechs and Yugoslavs have ahvays maintained the friendliest relationships Avith Moscoav, and the peaceful co-operation of all these countries Avould do much to mobilise Eastern Europe after the destruction of Nazi Germany. Another encouraging sign on the present darkened European horizon are reports Avliich Allied diplomats are bringing back from Moscow. Russians Organised All are impressed by the reasonableness and realistic policy of the Russians and by the fact that an exaggerated Communist bogey has at last been laid to rest. The Moscoav conference has also caused deep interest in Bulgaria. When the former American Minister to Sofia, George Earl, arri\~ed here he told me: "The Bulgarian Army Avould revolt rather than fight the Russians." He also told me that many Bulgarian soldiers Avere deserting and joining the YugoslaA' "Chetnik" patriots, so great Avas the aA r erag"e Bulgarian's hatred for the Nazis. Indeed, it is obvious from reports made here by members of the American Legation in Sofia that Russia's hold on Bulgarian sentiments is extremely strong, and that the pro-Russian feeling of the Bulgarian peasants is seriously Avorrying King Boris and his GoA'ernment. HcAveA'er, King Boris 'is determined to keep his throne, and for this reason he is now 100 per cent pro-German.