ALLIED DIPLOMACY

Evening Star, Issue 23370, 13 September 1939, Page 5

ALLIED DIPLOMACY

BALKAN NEUTRALITY AIMED AT TURKEY FIGHTING BRITAIN'S BATTLES NEW YORK, September 11. The London correspondent of the ‘New York Times’ states: “Allied diplomacy is fighting to keep the neutral States in south-east ’ Europe strong and independent. A diplomat)® battle has been going on since the declaration of war. It aims at the creation of a bloc of neutral Powers from the Carpathians to the eastern Mediterranean and the Black. Sea to the Adriatic. The Turkish 5 Ainbhssjador; in London is one of the chief strategists. “ The British acknowledge that one of the keys to the peace of the Balkans is the strength, of Turkish diplomacy. There is confidence that Turkey will act skilfully and may sdrve Britain better at present by keeping the Balkans neutral than by allowing them to become involved, requiring a heavy, outlay of British money, man-power, and support. Each has raw materials and strategic positions that Germany, covets. It may he better to let the materials go to Germany in driblets than risk their entire loss by invasion. “ The Turks believe that all the south-east can l keep neutral. becoming a rampart against further’German attempts to dominate Europe. On l this basis Turkey is fighting a diplomatic battle and Britain is encouraging her.”