NEUTRAL TURKEY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 July 1941, Page 5

NEUTRAL TURKEY

PREMIER ON MIRACULOUS SAFETY BOTH SIDES IN WAR THANKED WATCH OVER THE STRAITS. ASSURANCES OF BALKAN INDEPENDENCE. (By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) LONDON, July 6. The Istanbul correspondent of “The Times” says that before going into recess the Turkish Parliament heard the Premier, Dr. Saydam, give a review of the internal and foreign situation, in which' he expressed the “relief and joy" of the Turkish people for remaining “miraculously safe in peace" when there was war all round. Dr. Saydam thanked Herr Hitler for his friendly esteem for Turkey, and he described the Turkish-German friendship as lasting. He also thanked Mr Churchill and Mr Eden for their comprehension of Turkey’s position. Referring to Herr Hitler's allegations about the Russians’ demands for bases in the Straits and the Russian denials of them, Dr. Saydam said that Turkish opinipn was very sensitive on this point, and the Turkish Government would be very watchful. This reference indicates that Turkey’s suspicions have not been completely allayed. Dr. Saydam declared that according to information in the possession of the Government the new organisation of the Balkans would recognise the independence of the Balkan countries. The correspondent adds: “This must means that German has assured Turkey that in establishing the ‘new order’ she will respect the independence of Greece and Yugoslavia, or whatever remains of them. Turkey may or may not believe the German promises, but the fact that such conversations have occurred is interesting in itself.”