767.68119 T&M/25: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Special Mission at Lausanne
59. Mission’s no. 137 of December 20, 7 p.m.46 Telegram under reference indicates that possibly with the exception of the political guarantee there is now general agreement on the proposal for the freedom of the Straits. Department desires telegraphic report giving further information as to why Turks object to the political guarantee.
[Page 930]Mission’s no. 134 of December 20, 2 p.m. Sentiment in this country would not approve guaranteeing the freedom of the Straits by means of the trusteeship of Turkey and the Department does not wish to take the lead in offering such a proposal. It would be better to place the emphasis upon the binding force of the treaty obligations to be assumed by Turkey toward the other countries of the world to preserve this freedom.
Since the attitude of this Government toward a board of control has been stated by you, you need not press this matter further in case the Allies and Turkey reach a substantial agreement for such a board. This procedure is in keeping with our policy not to commit any act which would hinder a settlement once the freedom of the Straits is satisfactorily assured.
- Not printed.↩