767.68119/854a
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain ( Bingham )87
Sir: I enclose a copy of a recent press article88 regarding the alleged intention of the Turkish Government to endeavor to obtain a revision of the Convention relating to the Régime of the Straits, signed at Lausanne on July 24, 1923, so as to permit the construction of fortifications in the Dardanelles. Articles of a similar character have appeared in the press in recent weeks but the Department has been unable to ascertain whether they actually represent the viewpoint of the Turkish Government.
I shall be appreciative if you will make discreet inquiries with a view to determining what, if any, action, formal or informal, the Turkish authorities may have taken vis-à-vis the British Government looking toward a revision of the Straits Convention, as well as any information you may be able to obtain regarding the attitude of the British Government in this matter.
Very truly yours,