File No. 763.72/3385
The Ambassador in Turkey (Elkus) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 25, 7.30 p.m.]
2475. My February 6, 11 a.m.1 In the course of a conversations with the new Minister for Foreign Affairs, rupture of diplomatic relations between America and Germany was fully discussed. He stated that there was no reason why Turkey should sever relations with America because of the above rupture. If declaration of war had followed rupture, Turkey as ally of Germany would certainly have to consult the latter and decide what action she would take in defense of the common interest. But a mere rupture of diplomatic relations does not oblige Germany’s allies to sever diplomatic relations with the United States, more especially as the dispute is about [Page 149] submarine warfare and neither Turkey nor Bulgaria have submarines. I believe that Turkey [will act] not as she thinks best but as Germany may direct.
- “Notify Navy Department that Scorpion has destroyed all codes” (File No. 124.6718A/60).↩