The Position of Turkey
Italy's declaration of war against the Allies creates the situa- tion which requires Turkey to come to their support. It may well be that in the last fortnight the Italian Government has been trying to provoke the Allies into aggressive action, so that the Anglo-Franco-Turkish agreement would not operate. But Italy's flagrant intervention leaves no such choice open to Turkey under the terms of the Treaty of Mutual Assistance. It is laid down in the Treaty of Angora that in the event of an act of aggression by a European Power involving France and Britain in a war in the Mediterranean area, Turkey will colla- borate effectively with them and lend all aid and assistance in its power. Italy_ is the aggressor. The aggression—its first manifestation was the air-raids on Malta—has occurred in the Mediterranean area. The situation envisaged in the Treaty has clearly arisen. Turkey under the present regime has been so steadfast a champion of treaty obligations, and has so consistently based - her Balkan policy on the principle of common trust, that even Italy can hardly expect her to remain neutral. None the less, the Italian Government may hope that if it refrains from attacking a Balkan State the Turkish Army will not be brought into action. But in this war it is doubtful if partial participation is a possibility, and in the long run it cannot make much difference whether Turkey declares war on Italy or merely that " a state of war " exists. Further consulta- tion with the Allies may be expected immediately. Egypt has already lined up with them unreservedly.
Previous page
