A Survey of Economic Policy in The Turco-German Trade During World War II

Abstract

Turkey won a great diplomatic victory by remaining a neutral power until the closing stages of the second World War. Indeed it was a great achievement, for to push Turkey into war pressure was brought to bear upon her both by the Allies and the Axis. But the Turks had their own policy and steered a middle course. Nevertheless the war did have a bearing effect on Turkey's economy. It paralysed her efforts for development and imperatively directed her resources to the building up of armed forces for the safeguard of her territory and sovereingty. With no heavy industry sufficient to produce the necessary armaments in modern warfare, Turkey was dependent on their importation in return for which she offered agricultural commodities. But what gaye Turkey an important position was her supplies of chrome which made Britain and Germany the exigent bidders in the purchasing of this raw material essential for war industry