740.0011 European War 1939/9828: Telegram
The Chargé in Germany (Morris) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 10—9:10 a.m.]
1370. The Turkish Counselor definitely states to me today that Turkey would not enter the Balkan war unless attacked by Germany. He said this was not only his personal conviction but he was convinced that it was the policy of Ankara. He remarked that Turkey had consistently urged upon its neighbors the creation of a Balkan alliance which would have been able to oppose a force of 5 million soldiers to German aggression. The Balkan States, however, including Yugoslavia had declined to participate in such a defensive bloc and accordingly Turkey was now obliged to follow an independent course and concern herself only with her own self-defense. As regards the possible objection that if Germany defeated Yugoslavia and Greece she would then turn on Turkey, he said that Turkey would be ready and able to defend herself particularly now that she was assured of Russia’s neutrality. Turkish policy was completely identified with that of Great Britain but Ankara could not implement that policy until she was certain the British could extend really adequate military assistance to Turkey which he quite clearly indicated Britain was not now in a position to do.
In a recent conversation the Turkish Ambassador has intimated to me much the same viewpoint so forthrightly expressed by his Counselor. I have the impression that whether or not the views above expressed reflect Turkey’s settled policy, it is the line which the Turkish Ambassador here has recommended that his Government should follow.