10 AUGUST 1944, Page 14

MR. GUNTHER AGAIN!

SIR,—In your issue of July 2 I St you published a review of Mr. Guntbeet book, D Day, in which your reviewer Miss P. D. Pool quotes * author as saying "every Turk prays for two things: that the war la last as long as possible and that they can keep out of it." Since col libel gets a long start, I should be grateful if you would allow me to real some of the outstanding services that have been rendered by Turkey to the Allied cause.

In 4940, when the British Empire stood all alone, when many of tsg best friends throughout the world felt that only miracles could save 0 one miracle which did happen was that of Turkish constancy and couragc in face of all the threats and blandishments that Von Papen could offer At that time, with the Mediterranean to all intents and purposes a Germs and Italian lake, conditions since retrieved by the great leadership Jai matchless bravery of the Forces of the Crown, Turkey was the custodio of the door to the Middle East and of the Eastern Mediterranean. 173 the Luftwaffe immediately threatening Istanbul and Ankara, that iks1 was "slammed, bolted and barred" against 'German aggression, and igei in 1941, Turkey stood as the proud, brave and confident protect° of the left flank of the Russian armies.

Turkish resistance to German pressure, throughout the war, has had entirely beneficial 'effect on the fortunes of the Allies, on many fro° a decisive effect, and Turkish opinion now is much more friendly to tie Allies than Mr. Gunther's somewhat shadowy "friend" would rePr:st° it to be.—Yours faithfully, E. L. B. Raven-all- Chipping Norton, Oxon.