811.20 Defense(M)/3837: Telegram
The Chargé in Turkey (Kelley) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 29—2:11 p.m.]
454. (1) Reference your 209, November 21, 1 p.m. It is my opinion which is concurred in by my British colleague that we can count on Turk willingness to move in 1942 the 307,000 tons of chrome to accessible ports (Mersin and Alexandretta and other ports in vicinity). However, while confident of Turk goodwill in matter we both feel that it is essential that Turk Government be kept constantly under pressure. With this end in view, British authorities are making delivery of wheat and barley contingent upon Turk Government making chrome available at accessible ports. The Turk Government has been pressing British to deliver 50,000 tons each of barley and wheat. A token shipment of 8500 tons of wheat has already been made to meet urgent request of Turk Government and with a view to encouraging acceleration of chrome deliveries, since it is understood by Turks that delivery of remainder of requested barley and wheat will be effected only against chrome deliveries.
[Page 973]With regard to ability of Turk Government to move chrome in question we believe that transportation facilities now in prospect are adequate to transport this amount of chrome. Status of transportation facilities now being arranged to remove chrome from Fethiye and Marmara ports to accessible ports is as follows:
With regard to three ships promised by Turkish Government (Embassy’s 429, November 1453), one ship of 3400 tons will commence loading at Fethiye within few days, a second ship has been allocated and is on point of being designated, and the third ship is to be allocated and designated shortly. Furthermore Turks have agreed to allocate 10 to 15 cars a day from November 25 to transport chrome by rail from mines in Marmara area to Mersin. In addition Ukcom Corp is chartering small sailing and motor boats up to 150 tons to take chrome from Marmara ports and Fethiye. Four have already been chartered and it is hoped to secure more. These transportation facilities are considered adequate to take care of chrome at Marmara ports and Fethiye. With regard to movement of chrome ore from Guleman mine to Mersin during 1942 we believe that Turks have sufficient cars to transport from mine the existing stocks there and amount estimated to be produced in 1942.
It is my opinion after consultation with my British colleague that between now and April 1942 assuming maximum cooperation of Turk Government not less than 100,000 tons can be made available at Mersin and Alexandretta. A more precise estimate is not possible at this time. I assume that mention in your telegram of Marmara ports and Fethiye as places where chrome is to be made available was made by inadvertence inasmuch as arrangements under contemplation are designed to remove as soon as possible all chrome from these ports to Mersin or Alexandretta.
(2) Referring to second paragraph Embassy’s 428, November 14,53 agreement has now been reached between British Embassy and Turkish Government with regard to chrome purchase contract for 1942, signature of which is awaiting London’s approval. In draft contract Turkish Government undertakes to sell to the British Government all stocks of chrome existing at end of 1941 which have not been taken over by British and all chrome produced between January 1, 1942, and January 8, 1943. Consequently there will be no Turkish chrome above ground on January 8, 1943, which can be sold to Germany. Basic price is 140 shillings per ton with increase of 4 shillings for each unit over 48 percent and reduction of 3 shillings for each unit under that figure. It is provided that British-owned chrome which has not been actually delivered prior to January 8, 1943, will [Page 974] have no priority with regard to transportation after that date. Turks insisted on this provision in order that there would be no interference with delivery to Germany of the 45,000 tons of chrome which they had promised to supply in period from January 15 to March 31, 1943.
Repeated to London.