DIPLOMATIC STRUGGLE IN BALKANS

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21365, 8 March 1941, Page 8

DIPLOMATIC STRUGGLE IN BALKANS

Turkish diplomats’ version of Hitler’s message to Turkey is precisely what everyone expected. It is an attempt to lull Turkey into a sense of security and to poison its mind against Britain. As far as can be seen the nett result of the message is that Turkey has taken further defence measures. Turkey has had many illustrations of what this kind of German approach means. It is the velvet glove that conceals the iron hand, and Turkey will surely not be deceived. Whether any reply has been made or is intended is not known, but competent authorities declare there will be no change in the Turkish policy.

Germany in its “ desire for closer relations ” suggests the sending of a delegation of highly-placed statesmen to Ankara; otherwise it is prepared to receive a Turkish mission in Germany. Ribbentrop, for instance, might lead a German delegation to join forces with Papen. Himmler will perhaps be kept in the background, for it is rather early to introduce the Gestapo to Turkey. He could be kept in reserve lest Turkey should not prove amenable to Nazi blandishments. He is the diplomatic shock force leader ready to apply the weapon of terrorism should terror be necessary to persuade a neighbour to join Germany. This old combination has worked wonders in Europe, but in Turkey it has different material to work upon. No, Germany is on its best behaviour in Turkey and will pose as the saviour of Europe—until other methods are indicated.

The whole Balkan situation is now wide open for diplomatic developments. The cables say the diplomatic struggle has replaced the war as the main topic of interest in that quarter. Russia enters largely into the discussions. One Turkish newspaper declares that unless Russia has decided on suicide she will not let Germany come nearer to her life-giving arteries. This is a reference to the obvious encirclement of Russia which Germany is attempting to achieve, so that if the time comes for a final settlement of accounts between those two countries, Germany will begin with a great initial advantage.