811.20 Defense(M)/3431
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Secretary of State
The Ambassador of Turkey34 called at my request. I reviewed the history of the British-French contract to purchase the output of chrome from Turkey, the subsequent elimination of the French due to military reverses, followed by an agreement between the United States and Great Britain for the United States to share in this purchase, to which the Turkish Government agreed. I mentioned with appreciation the valuable cooperation rendered by the Turkish Government in facilitating the shipment of this chrome. I then said that, not only at present but during the coming year, my Government needed every pound of this chrome that was due it under the present contract with Great Britain, and that I know that Great Britain needs all of the portion coming to her. I said that the contract, which expires in December, is up for renewal and that the natural and logical thing for Turkey to do for the benefit of herself and all concerned would be for this business relationship to be continued through a renewal of the existing contract. I said further that even if a small portion should be sent to another country, such as Germany, it would cause serious repercussions far out of proportion to the actual size of such a shipment and likewise that it would engender a feeling of genuine concern among all of the countries involved resulting in much talk, many explanations back and forth and many efforts to compose the difficulties thus produced. I stressed the view that it would be wholly defensible on Turkey’s part to say to Germany or any other country that this contract was made sometime ago and that some special reason would have to exist to cause Turkey to abandon, or even to suggest that Turkey should abandon, this business relationship for the sake of permitting some of the chrome to go to another country, such as Germany.
I then emphasized the very great help we have extended to Turkey in the administration of our export licensing system and the aid we are now in the act of granting to her under the lease-lend policy, one shipload of cannon having arrived there last week. I said that more and more we should be in a situation to aid Turkey with respect to all the ways in which we are now furnishing assistance; that I am not unmindful of Turkey’s difficulties any more than our own difficulties and those of Great Britain and other countries, but that I feel satisfied that the position of each of our countries will be better safeguarded if existing relations, including the chrome sales arrangement, are kept intact. I again emphasized the conflicts that would immediately arise even if a small portion of this chrome should be allotted to Germany. [Page 950] I made clear all the details of each important point that was brought up.
The Ambassador seemed to agree with the statements I had made and said he felt that he fully understood them. He added that he would be glad to present the matter fully and accurately to his Government and keep me advised in the premises.
- Mehmet Münir Ertegün.↩