File No. 867.4016/299
The Ambassador in Turkey (Elkus) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 20, 4.30 p. m.]
2186. Embassy’s 2136, October 1, 8 p. m. From report by eye-witness sent by Consul Jackson and from other reliable sources it appears that deportations accompanied by studied cruelties continue. Families are separated and scattered among Moslems, clergy separated from their people, forced conversions to Islam perseveringly pushed, children and girls from deported families kidnaped. In order to avoid opprobrium of the civilized world, which the continuation of massacres would arouse, Turkish officials have now adopted and are executing the unchecked policy of extermination through starvation, exhaustion, and brutality of treatment hardly surpassed even in Turkish history. In spite of official opposition it has been possible to reach thousands and save their lives temporarily; but situation demands not only immediate financial assistance but active steps instead of formal protest. I therefore repeat suggestion in Embassy’s 1948,2 July 15, 10 a. m., that Germany and Austria-Hungary be induced to force their Turkish ally to cease all further deportation and allow free relief work, as well as Mr. Philip’s further suggestion in Embassy’s telegram 2136, concerning forced conversions and the departure from Turkey of those who are able. Peet requests such part of the above as the Department may see fit be communicated to Barton who may use the information with some discretion.
If such requests to Germany and Austria-Hungary are made through the usual channel and found to be ineffective, which from information received in Berlin and from German sources here it is believed will be the fact, it is suggested if the gravity of the situation calls for such action and it is deemed advisable, that personal letters reciting the facts, written by the President to the Emperors of Germany and Austria may produce the desired result. In that case publicity should be given such letters.