740.0011 European War 1939/9897: Telegram
The Ambassador in Turkey (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 12—2:50 a.m.]
96. For Secretary and Under Secretary. While reserving possibility of subsequent qualification of my first impressions I feel I [Page 845] should at any rate make interim report on surprising change of mood on part of Turks which has perhaps been in progress somewhat longer but has become painfully obvious within past week, most noticeably since invasion of Yugoslavia. Up until then temper of officials and press was serious, determined and serene. They now manifest tendency to speak as if they had written off all interest or responsibility in Balkan situation in consequence of folly of their neighbors in failing to respond to Turkish leadership in formation of common front and assume what seems extravagant air of unconcern and levity about situation. This sense of change in Turkish feeling is shared not only by my colleagues (of all shades of opinion other than Axis) whose opinions are worth consulting but also by foreign journalists who from their own viewpoint are convinced something important is afoot. Those who like myself have been most confident in essential staunchness of Turks feel disappointed and anxious and close to sense of disillusion. For this feeling there is as yet no very tangible basis, apart from a few incidents (such as permitting German reconnaissance planes on various occasions to fly unopposed over Thrace and even as far inside border as Bandirma) which might be explained on other grounds, this Government seems not to have taken any definite action or attitude inconsistent with its obligations; but then on the other hand conspicuously failed or evaded doing or saying anything which would have confirmed at this critical time its solidarity with Allies. They had reconciled themselves (certainly reluctantly but I think wisely) to fact that Turkey would be most useful to common cause in remaining militarily on defensive. But whereas they felt Turkey might at least have gained for her allies a few precious days of time for preparation against German thrust into Greece by some manifestation of moral support fact is that this Government has gone out of its way to evidence its unconcern about anything outside of its own borders. Allied Ambassadors (as well as French who is gravely concerned about possible effects in Syria) are apprehensive lest this Government should prove to have no interest in common cause beyond protection of its own territories—an interest purely egoistic in itself although undoubtedly of great strategic importance.
2. Lest I convey false impression I should add that despite current rumors neither I nor any of my interested colleagues have reason to believe that Turks have gone over to Axis or are likely to do so; our real apprehension is as to lack of wholeheartedness in their cooperation.
Repeated to Athens.