Today in History – 12 June

Turkey remains neutral during the war

Breaking out in the fall of 1939, World War II spread rapidly across Europe and began to threaten the borders of Turkey as well. Entering Poland on September 1, 1939, Germany disregarded declaration of war by England and France and attacked Belgium, the Netherlands, and France. Following Germany’s invasion of Balkan nations, Turkey almost reached the brink of war.

Turkey pursued a highly measured and careful policy during these delicate times. While calling large numbers of soldiers to arms and strengthening her army, the country also employed tactics to stay out of the war. Convened under President İsmet İnönü on June 12, 1940, the government ruled on remaining neutral during the war and officially declared its non-belligerent state on June 26, 1940.