Turkey and the Peace Front
In no country might Germany expect to obtain a greater return from the German-Soviet Pact than in Turkey : but her expectations have been disappointed. One immediate sequel to the Pact was the return of the inveterate intriguer, Herr von Papen, to Turkey, where he had an interview with President Inonu and urged the advantages of abandoning the Peace Front. His appeal was certainly not without some force. Turkey has enjoyed for many years friendly relations with the Soviet Union, and the friendship has served her foreign policy well. She entered into her agreements with Great Britain and France the more readily because she expected them to be completed by an Anglo-Franco-Soviet alliance. Lastly, the exercise of her right to open the Straits to ships of war may cause some difficulty with the Soviet Union if Russia is neutral and not an ally of Turkey's. Despite such considerations, the Turkish Press, which there is every reason to believe is officially inspired, leaves no doubt that Turkey will remain faithful to her obligations. The reason is to be found in Turkey's preference for fidelity to pledges, and the fact, as decisive for her as for Great Britain, that the defeat of Poland would open to Germany the path to the Near East. Turkey's agreements with Great Britain and France have not yet been signed ; it would be a valuable demonstration of the strength of the Peace Front if that formality could take place immediately.
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