TURKEY NEXT

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 45, 16 November 1940, Page 11

TURKEY NEXT

Nazi Threats After Molotov Goes ROLE OF RUSSIA

May Claim Territory At Dardanelles

( By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copy right.) (Received November 15. 9.30 p.m.) LONDON, November 14.

Soon after Al. Molotov's departure from Berlin, the Germans began to threaten Turkey, declaring she must decide whether to join with the forces shaping the new order. Swedish correspondents in Germany, quoting Russian circles, say an agreement has apparently been reached whereby Russia will increase supplies to Germany. AngloRussian collaboration is now unlikely. Russia will probably claim control of the European shores of the Dardanelles and the Bosphorus, compensating Turkey at the expense of Iraq and Syria.

The majority of the guests at .Molotov’s dinner were industrialists, suggesting the discussions were mainly economic, but the. participation of Baron von llichtofen from Sofia indicates that south-eastern policy was discussed. Bulgaria hopes for econonomie territorial benefits. The Turkish newspaper "Ikdam” says that German domination of the Balkans and Dardanelles would lie equivalent to throttling Russia. It was inconceivable that Russia, would deliver to the Axis a region which was a zone of security for her from all viewpoints. Count Csaky, Foreign Minister, said in the Hungarian Parliament that defeat for the Axis would mean that Hungary’s star would wane, but such an eventuality was neither militarily, politically nor economically to be feared. The Government and a majority of the opposition agreed with Axis policy. "We hail the tripartite pact and hope this new centre of diplomatic strength will make its beneficent effect felt in our relations with our neighbours.” Red Army Paper's Reference. LONDON, November 1-1. The Soviet Prime Minister, M. Molotov, is now on bis way back home to Moscow after his talks in Berlin with Herr Hitler and Herr von Ribbentrop. Apart from a German communique saying that the exchange of views took place in an atmosphere of mutual confidence and led to an understanding on all important questions which are of interest to Germany and the Soviet Union, the first official comment on MMolotov’s visit to Berlin appears today in the Red Army organ, “Red Star,” which says: “No doubt the resumption of personal contact and the friendly exchange of opinion will have made for a further strengthening and development of Soviet-German relations.” A brief communique in Moscow makes no reference to any agreement having been reached as a result of the Hitler-Molotov talks. According to the German wireless, Herr von Ribbentrop during the last few days has had two interviews with the Japanese and Turkish Ambassadors. Unofficial quarters in Berlin suggest there will be no immediate results of the Hitler-Molotov conferences, and they hint at another meeting between Herr Hitler and Signor Mussolini. British Air Raid.

M. Molotov has taken back with him to Moscow the memory of his first air raid. This was a heavy’ attack last night by Royal Air Force bombers on the Schlesischer railway station, goods yards, and other objectives in the heart of Berlin. The Air Ministry says a number of fires were started, and this the Germans admit.

Neutral correspondents in Berlin say that thousands of people were caught in theatres and cinemas when the alarm sounded. While British bombers were raiding the heart of Berlin, and M. Molotov was holding a reception at the Soviet Embassy, other British bombers were making widespread raids elsewhere in Germany.

M. Molotov’s guests, who included Ribbentrop, Himmler and Ley, stayed at. the embassy’ till the all-clear sounded. This was M. Molotov’s first experience of au air raid. German officials describe the raid as a deliberate attempt to disturb the banquet. A political commentator was broadcasting tonight from Deutsehlandsender (German radio station) on the Molotov visit, and had just referred to an “unsuccessful attempt by British raiders Io embarrass our Soviet guest,” when another voice hurriedly urged listeners to tune in elsewhere.