Turkish British relations in Turkish press (1945-1950)

The relations between Turkey and England has passed from many different phases since the new Turkish goverment was founded. Both countries have looked out their own interests in the relations between them. There have been political events which directed and determined the Turkey – England relations. Ottoman Empire was defeated in World War One. As a result of signing the Mondros treaty after the war, Ottoman Empire actually died out. After this treaty, British policy on Ottoman Empire was to share the country, Anatolia. They have tried every possible way to bring to a standstill and to end the National Struggle Movement which started in Anatolia. Supporting the occupation of Greece in İzmir was a tengible example. They have supported all the events against this Independence Resistance in Anatolia and cooperated with İstanbul goverment. The aim of England was the conclusion with failure of Independence War. Despite all, the Independence War in Anatolia has continued and political channels in foreign policy have been kept open. The new Turkish State which succeeded the national struggle has put across in international arena and signed the treaty of Lousanne with the prevailing countries of World War One as the real statute. There have been important political events with England in this period.The most important event was Musul issue. In Musul İssue , England acted selfishly for its own intrests. Turkish State sisdn't like the way that England solved the issue for their good in the league of nations. Turkish State had to abondan Musul because of interior problems. After the attitude of England fort he issue, Turkey has become closer to Soviet Russia in this period. Turkish Republic has stayed away all kind of relations which threatened its independence. It maintained friendly relations with its neighbours. Turkey has preserved an honored attitude in foreign policy without being affected by the past policies. The saying of Mustafa Kemal's " Peace at Home, Peace in the World " was the motto fort he basic strategy in foreign policyin Atatürk's era. After Atatürk, a new World War bursted out. During this war, president İsmet İnönü maintained tha same attitude as it was after the treaty of Lousanne. The turkish statesmen have trie to maintain and improve the existing relations. Turkey actually didn't enter the war because of following a balanced foreign policy. But Turkey felt the danger and the coldness of the war closely. During this period of war, Soviet Russia and Italy made worrying movements against Turkey. However, England defended Turkey's territorial integrity. Turkish Republic as a new founded republic has succeeded to be up to tests by not involving the war via logical and talented behaviour in hard and dangerous period. Between 1945 and 1950, there has been decrease in the relations with England and the USA had an active role in foreign policy with Turkey. The main reason for this England has assigned the role of guardianship of Europe to the USA because of the economical collapse after World War Two. The aim of this thesis is to set light to the relations with England which were reflected in Turkish press. To do this, the newspapers, periodicals and the archive of premiership were analyzed. The aim of this thesis search what has happened in the longstanding relations with England in this six years period. 6 As a result of search, after the USA assigned the guardianship of Europe from England, a constant period in the relations with England has been seen. We have still kept a friendly relation. Both countries has busines connection and followed respectful relations. England especially wanted to increase the business connection as they thought turkey was a good market. Both countries have tried to improve the business connection. In this period in which Turkey was in transition to democracy and mıltiparty period, the calturel and social activities between two countries gained speed. Turkey which started to become modernized in the light of Atatürk's revolutions and had a new dimention in culturel life, has kept hold of culturel activities with England. Because the USA was at the forefront, the relations in military and politics with England have decreased. Especially American's Marshall plan and Truman doctrine were the main reasons for that. As a result of searches, between 1945 and 1950, both countries have specified the way of their relations for their own intrests. They have both respected each other's territorial integrity and independence. Therefore, relations have been kept in respect and friendship.