EFFECTIVE ACTION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 August 1941, Page 4

EFFECTIVE ACTION

ANGLO-RUSSIAN GUARANTEE TO TURKEY GERMAN-INSPIRED RUMOURS SILENCED. CONTRIBUTION TO PEACE IN MIDDLE EAST. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 9.25 a.m.) RUGBY, August 13. Amongst many reasons for satisfaction at the joint declaration by the Soviet Union and Britain to Turkey is that a public and final answer is now given to Germaninspired rumours that surreptitious bargaining is going on of an antiTurkish character between the two Powers who are fighting German aggression. 1 The specific declarations as to the sanctity of Turkish territory cannot fail to dispose of the Nazi efforts to create a feeling of uncertainty in Turkish minds, while the Soviet pledge of aid, going far beyond the promise of neutrality given in March, provides an assurance which will do much to increase Turkish self-confidence and determination to resist Nazi pressure. The declaration is a concrete illustration of the British policy in the Middle East, which was defined by the Foreign Minister, Mr Anthony Eden, in the House of Commons on August 6 when he said: “For all the countries in that area we have only one policy. We wish to see them lead their own lives in security and peace.” Commenting on one aspect of the situation now created, the “Daily Telegraph” says: “It is obvious that, if the present conditions had existed when the tripartite agreement between Britain, France and Turkey was signed two years ago, there would have been no need for a protocol absolving Turkey from obligations to take up arms, if such action was to involve her in a conflict with Russia. What Nazi aggression has now unintentionally achieved is to make Britain and Russia no longer rivals but partners in a policy which has as its objective the establishment of peace in the Middle East. This is the very result for which British diplomats have long been working and in the attainment of this result the Soviet Ambassador to London, M. Maisky, has been able to give most valuable assistance. The immediate effect of the joint declaration should be to make more remote from Turkey the prospect of becoming an unwilling battleground and to give reassurance, not only to hey neutrality but to her independence. It is an indication of Turkey's growing confidence that she should have agreed to the declaration being published.”

Britain and Russia have pledged full aid to Turkey if she is attacked by a European Power. It is announced in London that the British and Soviet Ambassador' called at the Turkish Foreign Office in Ankara on August 10 and each presented declarations in identical terms.