867.24/179: Telegram
The Ambassador in Turkey (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 19—9:45 p.m.]
345. Supplementing my next previous telegram.28 I am disappointed and anxious that Turkish Government in spite of repeated assurances is even considering German request for chrome; and on consulting British Counselor and Commercial Attaché28a (in temporary absence of Ambassador) I find them also very seriously perturbed. They have reason to believe that Turks contemplate giving Germany 3,500 tons. That amount is relatively insignificant in view of fact [Page 944] that German stocks are understood to be 90,000 tons or enough to last through 1942 but significant as “token” concession and capable of being exploited as means of lateral pressure to buckle Turkish morale (see my 238, July 729).…
- 2.
- My own recommendation as to most effective way to impress them with seriousness of step they contemplate is this: Secretary or Under Secretary might call in Turkish Ambassador and lay case before him with statement that matter is being taken up with him because he has first-hand acquaintance with developments of policy of lease-lend assistance and question of according such aid to countries not actually participating in war and because he understands and can make clear to his Government vital importance of American public opinion in such matters of policy; then explain to him that our Government would put itself in altogether untenable position if it were to continue giving lease-lend assistance to a non-belligerent country which although allied with Britain nevertheless gives her enemies essential materials contributing to their war potential despite contractual arrangements made with Allies for very purpose of avoiding that contingency and despite repeated recent assurances to them and to ourselves; and state that such action on their part would introduce a new element into situation and compel us to take under fresh consideration question whether Turkey can be considered a country entitled to assistance under terms of Lease-Lend Act.
- 3.
- I feel confident that such plain speaking (without pulling of punches because of any dainty apprehension lest they suspect us of bargaining) on the part of official recognized as having direct responsibility in administration of Act would not only forestall particular transaction we apprehend but have most salutary effect… In view of fact that trade negotiations are expected to be concluded within 2 weeks and of habitual Turkish tendency to make and carry out decisions with startling abruptness, action on our part should be taken with least possible delay.