751.67/247: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Turkey (MacMurray)
23. On April 6 an official of the Foreign Office informed the Embassy at Paris that, although rumors had been current that Turkey [Page 836] might attempt to annex the Hatay, he did not believe that it would do so. He stated that as a precautionary measure the French garrison in the Hatay had been increased recently but this was because it had been allowed to fall below normal strength. He admitted, however, that the French were in negotiation with the Turks but stated that it was impossible for him to believe that there was any danger of being faced by a fait accompli on the part of Turkey. During the conversation he referred to the importance of Great Britain and France being afforded freedom of passage through the Straits if the situation should so develop that it became necessary for them to assist Russia and Rumania.
Please keep the Department currently informed regarding developments in connection with the Hatay.