767.68119/332: Telegram
The Special Mission at Lausanne to the Secretary of State
[Received December 27—1:40 a.m.]
154. It seems very evident that the Turks last Friday abandoned their attitude of conciliation and have adopted one of resistance and unwillingness to compromise. The cause of this is not yet apparent. Those in close touch with the Turks are well aware of the suddenness of this change. Curzon has told Child that he is speculating as to the reason for the change, suggesting as possibilities instructions from Angora, support from Russian sources, or some strong pressure. Curzon is clearly anxious as to the attitude of France. The French press has been criticizing Barrère for supporting Curzon too strongly. Barrère went to Paris to inform Poincaré that he would resign if this attack were not stopped. Curzon has made bitter complaints of attacks upon himself by the French press … Curzon is convinced that the French Foreign Office and the French press are abusing him for the creation of the plan put forward by the Allies for the Straits,51 although he points out that the plan was that of Marshal Foch. Curzon indicates that in the conversations Friday and Saturday the French abandoned the plan for setting up an international board of control and supported a proposal for placing the demilitarized zone under the surveillance of the diplomatic missions in Turkey. Even this measure of control was rejected by the Turks. Curzon understood from Barrère that the Turks had said that they were advised by Admiral Bristol to reject surveillance of any kind. We at once obtained denials from Admiral Bristol and Ismet. This incident has not reassured Curzon regarding the influence which has caused the Turks to change their attitude. Evidence of this change has come to us directly. Yesterday Ismet called on Child. Evidently he was trying to prepare us for a line of action which he said he might be compelled to take. Up to this time he has agreed with the idea that by making a just peace at Lausanne, Turkey had the opportunity to establish her position in the family of nations. He said yesterday that Turkey could look to the East and North as well as West. He said that the Allies would have to meet the minimum terms put forth by Turkey and that it must be understood by us that he had done the best he could. He mentioned that Mosul must be given to Turkey.
[Page 936]Curzon also is somewhat anxious regarding the new attitude of indulgence toward the Soviets which is noticeable at Paris and to some extent at Lausanne.
Considering these disturbed conditions it is our opinion that the less our delegation says or does for the present the less will American interests be drawn into any vortex.
- Plan not printed.↩