1940.10.28 “Is the invasion of Turkey next?”
Unknown artist
8.25 x 9.25 in, ink on art board
Coppola Collection
Hitler stretching his arms around these lands, most of which are not yet occupied, warns of the German reach into southeastern Europe. He is at Czechoslovakia, which is already compromised. Yugoslavia, Greece, and Bulgaria are not yet invaded (that comes in April 1941). Romania and Hungary are aligning, not conquered. In the second Vienna Award, Germany and Italy redraw borders in favor of Hungary, forcing Romania to cede territory. Both join the Axis in November.
There was significant fear and intense diplomatic pressure regarding a potential German invasion of Turkey in late 1940, particularly after the fall of France in June, as Turkey appeared surrounded by Axis-controlled territories. In addition, this is when Italy invaded Greece, sitting at Turkey’s doorstep. However, the feared invasion did not materialize due to Turkey's defensive strength, tough terrain, and the logistical nightmare it would have caused Germany. In the end, Hitler preferred to keep Turkey as a "friendly" neutral to supply necessary chromium rather than forcing a conflict that would stretch German resources.
