THE BLACK SEA

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20920, 27 September 1939, Page 7

THE BLACK SEA

GUARANTEE TO TURKEY ACTIVITIES OF RUSSIA GERMAN ADVANCE PREVENTED (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) NEW YORK, Sept. 26 It is stated in diplomatic circles in Washington that the Soviet has offered to guarantee Turkey against German expansion to the Black Sea if Turkey will agree to remain neutral and close the Black Sea to belligerents.

It is not clear whether Russia and Germany have agreed to zones of influence in Rumania under which agreement Germany would not extend to the Black Sea, or whether Russia is unilaterally offering the pledge to Turkey. The Soviet apparently fears that the Allies may attempt to seize the Baku oilfields, which are difficult to defend. At present the easiest route by which to send oil to Germany is through the Black Sea and Rumania, which the British Fleet could cut off if it were able to enter the Black Sea.

Diplomatic circles believe that this proposal is only one of many which will be offered to the Turkish Foreign Minister, Sukru Saracoglu Bey, while he is in Moscow.

It is reported from Moscow that Saracoglu Bey has arrived there and is expected to slay for three days. The Moscow correspondent of the Danish newspaper Politiken says the view is taken that Turkey desires a guarantee against a German advance in the Balkans, while Russia wants security against foreign warships being allowed into the Black Sea by way ot the Dardanelles.