Evening star., 1941-06-19
Hitler NeutraIjzes
Turkey With Signing
OF 1O-Year Amity Paci
Treoty Seen Protecting
German Flank and
lsolotine Russia
By the Associated Press.

AOl bAAOHnA ANEs EhNiOAi 11iOiCl lloo itCu-
tralized Turkey in the present con-
flict by binding her with Germany
IN l0-year on-aggression and
neutral consultation pact.
Engineered by Nazidom's smooth
talking, Notwithstanding diplomat,
Franz Won Papen, German Ambas-
sador to Turkey, the friendship
treaty became effective when signed
Unexpectedly last night in Ankara
by Won Papen and Turkish Foreign
Minister Sukru Saracoglu.
(Ankara dispatches said the
accord in effect protects the
Reich's flank against attack in
the event of Soviet Russian
German conflict and was reached
with the full knowledge of the
British and United States AM
bassadors, who conferred with
Saracoglu. Foreign correspon-
dents were said to have been
asked to treat the story in such
a way as to avoid injuring Brit
ish-Turkish relations.
Informed quarters in London,
who apparently were apprised in
advance of the pact. interpreted
1t AS an effort to isolate Soviet
Russia in increasing tension be-
tween Berlin and Moscow.
The ratification documents are to
be exchanged between the two
World War allies in Berlin as soon
as possible.
Treaty Has Bombsheli Effect.
The pact bound the two countries
to respect each others territorial in
tegrity, not to undertake any meas
ures aimed either directly or indi-
rectly at the other treaty partner"
and to settle any differences or prob
lens affecting the two countries
through friendly consultation.
Coupled with it were two protocols
looking toward promotion of trade
and improvement of press and radio
relations. The press truce was espe-
cially welcome in Berlin because
Turkish newspapers have been a
source of irritation to German Of
Gals.
Turkish newspapers in the past
frequently showed none of the in
sight which responsible leaders of
Turkish policy never lacked" said
Deutsche Diplomatisch-Po Politische
Information, a commentary close to
the Foreign Office. Much will be
won if the Turkish press now de-
votes itself to objectivity."
The conclusion of the treaty had
a bombshell effect comparable only
to the German understanding with
Russia which preceded the outbreak
of the war and informed quarters
expressed belief it would influence
the course of the war just as deci-
sively.
Seen Giving Nazis Free Hand.
It generally was interpreted here
as giving Germany a free hand for
whatever operations may become
necessary in the East.
The effect of the treaty in rela-
ton to Russia, if any. remained OBJ
scure. Neither spokesmen nor COM
mentators threw any light on this
question.
Both signatories are tied to Rus
sia by friendship understandings.
A spokesman said he did not know
whether Russia had advance notice
of the negotiations.
(The Turkish Foreign Minister
declared last night that other
actual and existing obligations
of the two parties are not affect
ed" Beside having an agree
ment with Russia. Turkey is
non -belligerent ally of Great
Britain.)
The authorized reaction was un-
enimous in declaring that the sting
of the Turkish British alliance had
been removed.
'Iondon's pact with ,Ankara
stands" the important newspaper
Hamburger Ere m nblatt said.
However, it has become worthless
insofar as it no longer can be turned
against Germany or against Turkey
herself in the way of expanding
war"
Deutsche Diplomatisch-Po -Politische
Information said the pact removes
the danger of Turkey joining, as in
the World War, the side of those
who in the end must lose"
A German spokesman vehemently
denied that the signatories had en-
tered into any secret understand
ings in connection with the pact.
The press devoted entire front
pages to the event and emphasized
that Turkey held the "geopolitical
key position to the exit from the
Black Sea and at the gates of the
Near East"
Success for Nazi Diplomacy.
Germany afirms the great task
which Turkey has assumed as
guardian of the straits (the Dar-
danelles) as well as the value Tur-
key puts on her position as a Euro
pean state" wrote Karl Megerle.
Germany's Virginio Gayda, The
friendship treaty with Germany is
as great a success for Turkish as
German diplomacy"
This was interpreted in some in
formed quarters as meaning that
Germany would support Turkey In
any dispute over the Dardanelles.
Spokesmen said they did not know
whether Italy would follow suit, but
the Nazi press emphasized the paral-
lei aims of the Axis powers and
referred to Premier Mussolini's re-
cent speech in which he enunciated
a policy of understanding cooper
alton" with Turkey.
In connection with the move to
develop Turkish-German econmic
relations ION the basis of experiences
gained in the war it was stated
that Germany had always been Tur-
keys first customer and first sup
plier." Chromium, copper, wool, to-
bacco, figs, raisins and nuts were
listed as Germany's most important
imports from Turkey.
pz-1 Gaze p1%f Aidin1