740.0011 European War 1939/10370: Telegram
The Chargé in Germany (Morris) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 27—10:48 a.m.]
1611. In conversation with the Turkish Ambassador today I learned from him that Von Papen had had several conversations with Hitler but had received from him no indication of a definitive attitude towards Turkey. Von Papen expects to be called again by the Chancellor and to return to Turkey within a few days. The Ambassador expressed the belief that Von Papen is a sincere friend of Turkey and insofar as he can will advise against any strong pressure on that country. The Ambassador derived from him the impression that Germany will not ask for unmolested passage of its troops, at least under the circumstances that exist today.
I told the Ambassador that some sources had given me to think that the question of passage of German troops through Turkey was intimately tied up with and would ultimately depend upon the relative success or failure of the German-Italian forces to break through Egypt to the canal. The Ambassador said that he shared this view. Failure in Egypt would probably lead to a pressure on Turkey for free passage. He added that the Turkish policy would not change from its determination to fight rather than yield although it was doing everything it could to placate Germany short of a surrender of its honor which would be involved in yielding either to threats or blandishments in respect of German interference in its sovereign position. He pointed out, for example, as the best recent proof of this, the fact that Turkey had calmly stood by and watched Bulgaro-German forces occupy Eastern Thrace the bulk of whose population is Turkish.
The Ambassador further pointed out that Turkey is acquiescent in the restoration of direct rail communications between Berlin and Istanbul and if Germany will supply the iron and steel Turkey will undertake its share of necessary railway work.
This representative has had a long career in Germany and while probably not pro-Nazi undoubtedly is ready to advocate a policy of [Page 849] appeasement anywhere short of the point of violation of his country’s independence.
Repeated to Ankara.