1942 TURKEY: World War II: War Correspondent Arthur Merton

Date: 1st January 1942

Location: ISTANBUL, TURKEY

Source: Reuters Historical News Collection: BRITISH PARAMOUNT NEWSREEL (REUTERS)

TURKEY: Istanbul:

EXT

Daily Telegraph War Correspondent Arthur Merton out of car and into building

INT

Artyur Merton speaking to camera SOT

- In the course of my travels in the Middle East I have been repeatedly asked whether Turkey will resist in the event of German aggression or even of a German request for permission for the passage of troops and war materials to the Caucasus or into Syria and also whether Turkey will remain faithful to her alliance with ourselves? To each of these questions I Unhesitatingly always reply in the affirmative

- The Turks remember what they suffered under the Germans in the last war. They have no desire to repeat the experience. They have seen what their neighbours, who have favored Nazi policy are suffering and they are fully aware that any step which admits the Nazis into their minds will mean that they like wise be stripped of all that they possess and be made into a subject people. They have no intention whatsoever of being subject to any one and they therefore will do everything they can do preserve their independence and what they posses today

- In all it has done since September 1939 the Turkish Government has been animated by two overwhelming considerations. The first to keep its people out of the war as long as possible by every means in its power consistent with national dignity and national honour and the second to keep faithful to the country, Britain, which has no territorial ambitions and whose policy and interest are identical with those of Turkey, the maintenance of the status quo in the Balkans and in the Mediterranean

- The Turk always keeps his word but in his won way and in his own time. He does not like being coerced, harassed or even hustled. That is why his dislike of the Germans has become so intense of late fro Germany, with her usual mistaken psychology, has committed the blunder of continuously, since the outbreak of war, pressing Turkey to join with her or at any rate to grant her facilities which the Turks do not want to do

- In the words of her distinguished President Ismet Inonu, behind whom the whole nation stands solidly as one man "Turkey will under no circumstances submit to Force. Indeed she may be expected to resist aggression no matter whence it comes with all the stolidity, courage and determination for which the Turkish soldier has ever been renowned

Watch clipWatch the full Reuters clip here

Content from Reuters, available for licensing at

======

SUBSCRIBE to this channel here

#Defence #Military #Turkey

Reuters Connect: The world's defining moments captured, from 1896 to the present day. Empower your storytelling with instant access to real time and unique, rare and inspiring content from Reuters and partners. Access inspiring visuals through a seamless platform offering instant download and transparent rights. Designed for publishers, production companies, archival producers, creative agencies and NGOs to create impactful stories with speed, confidence and integrity.

Website: www.reutersconnect.com