740.0011 European War 1939/14413: Telegram
The Ambassador in Turkey (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
Ankara, August 27, 1941—1
p.m.
[Received 11:55 p.m.]
[Received 11:55 p.m.]
314. Foreign Minister informs me Turkish Government regrets that Russo-British action makes it impossible for friendly neighbor Iran to remain outside war but it has no alternative but to accept situation and maintain its own neutrality.
- 2.
- He has just been requested by Iranian Ambassador to use his good offices with British and Russians to effect their withdrawal upon Iran’s undertaking to expel Germans in question. While undertaking to use his best endeavors he has frankly informed Ambassador he has little if any hope of success as he personally considers that real reason for Russo-British action was strategic one of effecting junction of their forces rather than any question of German agents in Iran.
- 3.
- In response to question he indicated feeling that situation in Iran did not increase but would perhaps even tend to diminish any danger of German action against Turkey.
Repeated to Tehran.
MacMurray