767.68119/379: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Special Mission at Lausanne
90. Your 207, January 22, 8 p.m. Your recommendations approved by the Department. You will receive more precise instructions after the Department learns what action the Turkish and Allied delegations take in case the conference is terminated or suspended.
The Department concurs in your view that if the Allies are not able to settle with Turkey we should not at once begin our own negotiations. It might be desirable, however, to have an exchange of notes with the Turks, in case they show themselves well disposed toward our commercial and philanthropic enterprises in Turkey, and, if you [Page 959] can, without seeming to cast doubts upon our rights, get from them a written declaration of their friendly intentions. Before taking any steps, cable your views on the above.