711.6712A/2: Telegram

The Ambassador in Turkey (Grew) to the Secretary of State

[Paraphrase]

33. Department’s 25, March 23, 11 a.m. From the general attitude of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, I am of the opinion that Turkey would welcome proposal to negotiate with the United States treaties of types mentioned; I can not predict, however, whether or not difficulties over their form might arise.

Such a proposal would materially assist, I believe, the negotiations for the renewal of the commercial modus vivendi.

The maximum moral effect on the sentiment of national prestige would be obtained by including Turkey among first countries to which the United States is offering these treaties. I believe that we should make our proposal to prolong the commercial modus vivendi beyond May 20, 1928, soon after the return of the Minister for Foreign Affairs from Geneva. That moment would likewise be the best to offer arbitration and conciliation treaties. Although not according to the procedure heretofore followed by the Department, I have no doubt that my position here would be strengthened if proposal could be made here instead of at Washington.

Grew