File No. 763.72/3333
The Ambassador in Turkey ( Elkus) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 15, 12.30 p.m.]
2479. Your 3328, February 5, 7 p.m., just received.1 My telegram February 6, 11 a.m., through the Danish Foreign Office and my 2475, February 8, 9 p.m., via Berne.2 Our relations with Turkey remain normal and perhaps more friendly than for some time past. General feeling would for the present indicate that unless compelled by Germany, Turkey desires to continue these relations. On the 13th instant I am giving a dinner in honor of the new Grand Vizier to which I have invited several cabinet ministers and all heads of diplomatic missions except German. Seeing all this and upon my assurance, all Americans here keep cool and calm.
Persistent unconfirmed and unofficial rumors here that in spite of German domination in Turkey, relations between the Sublime Porte and Germany are far from being cordial especially since Talaat became Grand Vizier, and it is even rumored that in case of hostilities between America and Germany, Turkey would not declare war against America. But these rumors should be accepted with the greatest reserve as they may have been spread purposely to mislead us. On the other hand it may be significant that Djavid who was Minister of Finance when Turkey entered the war and who was one of the four ministers who, as then stated, resigned their respective portfolios as a [protest?] has now been offered the portfolio of finance and has accepted it, as rumored, on condition of cabinet modifying extreme nationalistic policy including improvement of treatment of non-Turkish and non-Moslem elements.
I have suggested Porte to formally notify me of Fuad’s appointment as Ambassador at Washington and to request that safe-conduct [Page 135] may be obtained from Entente powers. I have done this in order to accentuate friendly relations.
Food conditions in Turkey becoming worse every day and cause population to yearn for peace.
In the event of rupture with Turkey, should the Scorpion and crew not be permitted to leave Constantinople, Commander Morton suggests disabling engines or sinking ship. He informs me great danger from mines both in Dardanelles and Black Sea. Morton requests instructions.