Talk of Negotiations with Turkey

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 October 1940, Page 5

Talk of Negotiations with Turkey

FOR PACT OF MILITARY ASSISTANCE IN EVENT OF AXIS ATTEMPT TO SEIZE DARDANELLES (By Telegraph.—Press Association. —Copyright.) LONDON, October 16. The “Daily Telegraph” says evidence is accumulating’ that Germany is becoming increasingly heedless of Russian feelings, perhaps because the German general staff does not fear the Russian military machine. On this assumption it would be reasonable to assume that Moscow is acutely apprehensive of what the early future may hold for Russia. The apparition of an unbeaten Germany established in the Black Sea has long been one of Moscow’s worst nightmares. While perturbed at the succession of events and anxious to see the German eastward drive checked, the Soviet leaders hesitate to take action capable of interpretation in Germany as hostile or even unfriendly. In such circumstances it is understandable that silence is the only course open. The Sofia correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain says it is reliably reported that Russia and Turkey are negotiating a pact of military assistance. Russia is reported to be offering armed support if the Axis Powers attempt to seize the Dardanelles.