701.6761/12: Telegram
The Chargé in the Soviet Union (Thurston) to the Secretary of State
[Received 4:20 p.m.]
1020. Embassy’s 1007, August 12, 9 p.m.86 The Greek Minister informed a member of the Embassy staff last evening that he was convinced from conversations he had had with the Turkish Ambassador just prior to the latter’s departure from Moscow,87 and that he had so advised his own Government, that Aktay had not been presented with any specific Soviet demands on Turkey to take back to Ankara at this time. Mr. Diamantopoulos stated that Aktay had been depressed during the days immediately preceding his departure, but attributed this largely to the probability that his personal position here had become difficult following the publication of the German White Book (see Embassy’s 806, July 588). Mr. Diamantopoulos remarked that while he had no definite information which would lead to such a conclusion, he considered it possible that the Turkish Ambassador might not return to Moscow. As the Department is aware, the Soviet Ambassador to Turkey89 is still in Moscow and no intimation has been given of the probable date of his return to his post.
Mr. Diamantopoulos also referred to the reports which were particularly current some weeks ago of imminent Soviet demands upon [Page 499] Turkey and stated that he understood that the Turkish Ambassador had informed the Soviet Government flatly at that time that Turkey would offer armed resistance if any attempt were made by any power to encroach on Turkish territory. The fact that rumors of pressure on Turkey have become somewhat less persistent recently may indicate that the Soviets have decided to defer an active move in this area until after the final settlement of the Finnish question. Mr. Diamantopoulos inclines to the [belief?] shared by most observers in Moscow at this time that the absorption of Finland stands next on the Soviet list.