Aras talked at length about the fact that the Balkans and the Near East can only be saved through friendship with the USSR. He was all but ready to advocate a Soviet ‘protectorate’ in the Balkans. Very significant!

I asked Aras what Turkey’s position would be if Italy entered the war. I expected to hear in reply that Turkey would immediately offer armed support to the Allies. In the past, Aras had always said as much. But this time he was far less quick to do so. He did say that Turkey would remain loyal to its obligations, but the nature of Turkey’s obligations has suddenly become vague. If Italy’s entry into the war extends hostilities to the eastern part of the Mediterranean, then, Aras believes, Turkey would certainly take up arms. But should Italy be involved in the war only in the western part of the Mediterranean – what then? Would Turkey be bound to declare war against Italy immediately, in accordance with its agreements?…

Aras was unclear about this. So too, he said, was Ankara. Also very significant!