740.0011 European War 1939/3391: Telegram

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

The following telegram has been sent to the Legation at Belgrade:

I understand that the Yugoslav Ambassador here18 was used by his Government as the means of informal approach (through the Soviet Ambassador) in the necessary preliminary arrangements for the recent negotiations with Soviet Russia concerning economic and eventual political relationships. While not referring to his own part as intermediary Choumenkovitch has confirmed to me the impression that it was the Yugoslav Government which took the initiative in this matter.

I also learn that the Russians availed themselves of his friendly good offices to suggest to the Turkish authorities a discussion with a view to restoring the former degree of cordiality of Turco-Soviet relations—a suggestion which was coldly received and has apparently been ignored.

Repeated to the Department and Moscow.

MacMurray
  1. Iliya Shumenkovich.