NO DESIRE TO QUARREL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 October 1939, Page 5

NO DESIRE TO QUARREL

Indicated Attitude of Soviet Leaders HONOURS ACCORDED TURKISH MINISTER (By Telegraph. —Press Association. —Copyright.) LONDON, October 19. The Moscow correspondent of “The Tinies” says that the Soviet coniinnniqiie and tlie honours accorded Hie Minister's departure confirm Russia’s diplomatic defeat in the talks with Turkey. The communique admits that the discussions produced only confirmation of the friendliness between Turkey and Russia, and it indicates that the Russian, leaders are unwilling at present, to quarrel with the Power controlling the entrance to the Black Sea. ’ 31. Saracoglu’s seiid-off could not have been more elaborate if Turkey and Russia had agreed instead of differing. The Commander of the British Land Forces in the East, Lieutenant-General Sir Archibald Wavell, and General 3Veygand. former Chief of Staff of the French Army, have arrived in Ankara for conversations with the Turkish General Staff, a radio message reports. Soon after their arrival they called on the Turkish Minister of Defence and the Chief of the Turkish General Staff. The Turkish Press unanimously approves the rejection of the Soviet proposals, which are considered to be incompatible with Turkey’s own security and her engagements with Britain and France. It is emphasised that Turkey is determined not to enter into any commitments which will deprive her of the right to rule the Dardanelles. It is further stressed that Turkey, while working hard in the interests of peace, will never betray the world or her loyalty and friendship with the Allies. Turkey’s loyally and her refusal to close the Dardanelles and the Bosphorus are noted with satisfaction in the Paris Press, while in both London and Paris it is noted that, both Turkey and Russia have emphasised the friendly nature of their relations. The outcome of the Soviet-Turkish talks is viewed with great disappointment in Germany, where it is considered that Turkey might, well have acceded to the Russian requests. Germany’s disappointment, is reflected in the sudden return from the Turkish capital of the German Ambassador-at-Large, Dr von Papen.