CHANGE OF FRONT?

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23916, 18 September 1939, Page 7

CHANGE OF FRONT?

TURKEY’S ATTITUDE FRIENDSHIP WITH SOVIET INSPIRED PRESS ARTICLES (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) ISTANBUL, Sept. 15. The officially-inspired newspapers applaud Turkish-Soviet friendship for the first time since the German-Soviet pact was announced. They declare that Turkey will be more faithful to the maintenance of good relations with the Soviet than with any other country. CONVERSATIONS PROCEEDING NON-AGGRESSION PACT LIKELY NEW YORK, Sept. 16. (Received Sept. 17, at 11 p.m.) The New York Times Istanbul correspondent says it is believed that the Russians informed the Turks that the former were equally anxious that there should be no

trouble in the Balkans or the Black Sea. For example, if aggression against Rumania occurred it would be opposed. After this intimation, the RussianTurkish conversations are proceeding with the aim of signing a nonaggression pact of sufficient scope to include the troubled regions and the important standpoint of mutual safety. It may safely be assumed that Turkey is informing Britain and France of the developments, thereby importantly linking the democracies with the Soviet. TURKEY’S STIPULATION COMMITMENTS WITH . BRITAIN ISTANBUL, Sept. 16. (Received Sept. 17, at 11.30 p.m.) It hgs been officially announced that the Foreign Minister has gone to Moscow to conclude a TurkoSoviet mutual assistance pact and maintain Black Sea and Balkans security. It has been authoritatively stated that Turkey will not sign the pact unless she was convinced it was compatible with the Anglo-Turkish commitments. RUSSIA’S ATTITUDE OPINION IN BALTIC STATES COPENHAGEN, Sept. 16. (Received Sept. 17, at. 6.30 p.m.) Herr Burckhardt, who was the League Commissioner of Danzig, in an interview, said that Hitler’s invitation to go to Berchtesgaden on August 13 came over late. “I might perhaps have had a chance at an earlier stage.” he said, “ since it is my opinion that every German desired peace from the bottom of his heart. The man in the street in Danzig is indifferent and tired, and none really thought that local affairs would occasion such a catastrophe.” “ I do not think,” he added, “ that Poland is finished yet. The feeling in the Baltic States is that Russia will not enter the war unless the Germans look like being beaten.” BULGARIA NEUTRAL OFFICIAL DECLARATION SOFIA, Sept. 16. (Received Sept. 17, at 8 p.m.) An official statement declares that Bulgaria is remaining strictly neutral.