File No. 763.72119/2493

The British Embassy to the Department of State

copy of telegram from mr. balfour to mr. barclay october 22, 1918

The British Government have been approached by the Turkish Government and have authorised the British Naval Commander-in-Chief at Mudros to discuss armistice with accredited Turkish representatives.

We have told our Admiral to obtain, if possible, all the conditions suggested at Versailles, but in our judgment the immediate complete opening of the Dardanelles and Bosphorus and secure access to the Black Sea are of such paramount importance and so obviously carry everything else with them that if he can obtain these he may accept armistice at once.

Please inform the Government to which you are accredited.

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