BRITAIN & TURKEY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 May 1939, Page 7

BRITAIN & TURKEY

BROAD AGREEMENT REACHED MUTUAL AND IN EVENT OF WAR MEDITERRANEAN & BALKAN ISSUES. ANNOUNCEMENT IN HOUSE OF COMMONS. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 10.35 a.m.) RUGBY, May 12. The following statement on the negotiations with Turkey was made in the House of Commons by Mr Chamberlain:— “Britain and Turkey have entered into close consultation, and the discussions which have taken place between the two countries and which are still continuing have revealed their customary identity of views. It is agreed that the two countries will conclude a definite long-term agreement of a reciprocal character, in the interest of their national security. “At the completion of the definite agreement, Britain and Turkey declare that in the event of an act of aggression leading to war ; in the Mediterranean, they would be prepared to co-operate effectively and to lend each other al! the aid and assistance in their power. This declaration, like the proposed agreement, is not directed against any country, but is designed to assure Britain and Turkey of mutual aid and assistance should the necessity arise. “It is' recognised by the two governments that certain matters, including a more precise definition of the various conditions which would bring the reciprocal engagements into operation, will require closer examination before a definite agreement can be completed. This examination is proceeding. The two governments recognise that it is also necessary to ensure the establishment of security in the Balkans and are consulting together with the object of achieving this purpose as speedily as possible. It is understood that the arrangements above mentioned do not preclude either Government from making agreements with other countries in the general interest of the consolidation of peace.’