UNSHAKEN ROLE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24423, 8 October 1940, Page 8

UNSHAKEN ROLE

TURKEY’S FINE EXAMPLE CALM AND COURAGEOUS NAZI PROPAGANDA SPURNED (British Official Wireless) (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) RUGBY, Oct. 6. The Times comments editorially on the fine example set by Turkey in calmness <ind steadfastness. It says few countries hitherto excluded from the scope of war have had more anxieties to face than Turkey. None have emerged from the ordeal with more courage and consistency of purpose. Despite the embarrassments imposed on Turkish policy, both by the enigmatic attitude of Russia and the collapse of France, Turkey has not flinched in loyalty to her engagements or faith in ultimate British victory. Turkish opinion and the press have been notably recalcitrant to the blandishments of Nazi propaganda. A German attempt to exploit Turkey as a jumping off ground to the Middle East once before brought disaster, and the recent intrigues of von Papen show that these designs still figure largely in German diplomacy. Mussolini did little to conceal the ambitions he inherited from - preFascist Italy of aggrandisement at Turkey’s expense. In the Balkans Turkish interests coincide with those of Soviet Russia, as well as Britain, in resisting extension of the Axis Powers, and Russia, already angered by the German assumption of undisputed control of the Danube, has every reason to be content that the keys of the straits should be safe m Turkish hands. Turkeys alliance with Greece is proof against intunidation, and has been a powerful factor in encouraging Greece in her firm front against Italy’s threats.

The Times concludes: _ “ To-day there is every confidence in Turkey s capacity to maintain her unshaken role of one of the outposts of freedom and civilisation. Her will to do so was never in doubt.”