APPARENT HITCH

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 October 1939, Page 5

APPARENT HITCH

IN RUSSIAN=TURKISH NEGOTIATIONS FINAL STEPS PROVING DIFFICULT. REPORTED SOVIET PRESSURE ON IRAN. LONDON. October 17. The Moscow correspondent of the “New York Times,” Mr G. E. R. Gedye, says that finalisation of the negotiations between Russia and Turkey is most difficult, and this is causing reports of a lastminute hitch. Diplomatic circles believe that Istanbul reports of a break-down and the concentration a fortnight ago of Soviet troops on the Turkish frontier have been exaggerated. The authorities regarded the reports so seriously that they complained to the correspondents of British papers that the "publication constituted a grave political matter.” The correspondents established that they were not responsible, suggesting that the rumour was deliberately spread by quarters anxious to up'set the negotiations. France and Britain continue to be satisfied, confident that the Turks are protecting the French and British in terests.

The Washington correspondent of the “New York Times” says diplomatic circles disclose that the Soviet is bringing pressure to bear on Iran (Persia) by the medium of trade negotiations, seeking to reassert her sway in north Iran and obtain control’of the rice output and concessions in the oilfields. An unconfirmed report states that the Russians are also seeking a sea base in the Persian Gulf .

> TURKISH CABINET L „ FRESH INSTRUCTIONS SENT TO MINISTER. ; ISTANBUL. October 17. i The Cabinet met in Ankara and examined the report of the . Foreign . Minister, M. Saracoglu, on the Kremlin ’ talks. Cabinet will forward fresh in- , structions. A Daventry message last night stated ' that the Turkish Foreign Minister is reported to have left Moscow without having signed a pact. FRESH PROPOSALS MADE BY THE SOVIET TO TURKEY. (Received This Day, 9.35 a.m.) MOSCOW, October 17. The Turkish Foreign Minister, M. Saracoglu, is going to Turkey tonight, although negotiations have not concluded. It is reliably stated that he is taking fresh Soviet proposals, which are not precluding a continuation of the talks.