Evening star., 1941-06-26
Turkey and Syria

Winston Churchlll'S statement IN
Parliament that his generals in Syria
were not only permitted but "espe-
cially enjoined to be guided by mill
tary considerations alone" is proof
that the gloves are off and that the
conquest of Syria is to be pushed
regardless of political consequences.
The Vichy French continue to re-
sist with a skill and tenacity that
militarily do them much credit, but
with limited numbers, Scant equip
ment and no possibility of receiving
reinforcements the end cannot be
long delayed. Indeed, the French
authorities are repeatedly negotiat-
ing with the Turkish government to
allow the Vichy troops to pass into
Turkish territory. 1t is unlikely that
Ankara will grant this request except
under the usual conditions of prompt
disarmament and internment for the
duration of the war.
However, the most interesting
aspect of the situation lies, not in
SYRIA itself, but in the large con-
centration of Turkish troops along
the Syrian border. In part, this is
explainable as a precautionary
measure to assure Turkish neutral-
ity and the proper conduct of the
retreating Vichy Soldiery. Yet, view
ing the diplomatic background, po-
litical factors may also be involved.
Before the last war, Syria formed
part of the Ottoman Empire.
Though its successor, the present
Turkish Republic, has never shown
a desire to recover all the lost
Arabic lands, it has a distinct IN
terest in Northern Syria, which is
borderland inhabited partly by
Turks, together with Kurds and
Circassians, whom Ankara regards as
essentially Turkish in character.
Shortly before the present war,
France felt compelled to recognize
Turkish claims to the coastal por-
ton of this mixed zone, known as
the Saniak of Alexandretta, in order
to line up Turkey on the Allied side
in the impending conflict. But
Turkey also had unsatiSfled claims
on Aleppo and the inland region
north of the Euphrates.
1t is thus by no means Impossible
that Ankara may take advantage OF
a chaotic situation by occupying this
border zone in advance of the Brit
ish. Such action would be strictly IN
accord with Turkish national inter-
ests, and need have neither anti
British nor pro-Axis implications.
The statesmen who guide Turkeys
destiny are playing shreWdly oal-
anced game between the contending
parties. They have n-aggresslon
treaties with both Germany ana
Britain. While their sympathies have
been frankly pro-British, German
successes in the Balkans and Near
East have forced the Turks to ADOPT
an increasingly benevolent neutral
itv toward the Axis. This trend has
been intensified by German revela-
tions that Moscow asked Berlin to
assent to Russian control over the
Straits as part of Stalin-Hitl deal.
Taught by bitter experience, An
kara places scant confidence in any OF
it's neighbors. For the moment, Ger
man preoccupation with the Russian
campaign and Britain's rather tenu-
Gus hold on the Near East combine
to put Turkey in favorable situa-
ton. Certainly, neither Germany
nor Britain would be apt TO do any
thing which would arouse Turkish
i'll will. 1t would thus not be sur
prising if Ankara took measures IN
Northern Syria which would satisfy
long standing claims and add to
Turkish security.