762.6711/17
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Under Secretary of State (Welles)
The Turkish Ambassador68 called to see me this morning by instruction of his Government. The Ambassador, from notes which he had in his hand, read to me an analysis of the treaty concluded the day before between Turkey and Germany which differed in no wise from the telegrams received from Ambassador MacMurray on this subject.
The Ambassador made these additional statements in the name of his Government: [Page 867]
- 1.
- The treaty stated categorically that Turkey strictly reserved the full status of her previously existing obligations to Great Britain.
- 2.
- The British Government had been fully advised and consulted with throughout the course of the negotiations between Turkey and Germany.
- 3.
- The conclusion of the treaty resulted in no change whatever in the Turkish situation vis-à-vis Great Britain.
- 4.
- The Turkish Government will not permit Turkish territory to be utilized, directly or indirectly, in any action against Great Britain.
- 5.
- The Turkish Government is determined to repel any attempt from whatever source on Turkish independence or integrity.
- 6.
- The treaty between Turkey and Germany only creates a “normal atmosphere of friendship with Germany”.
At this point the Ambassador had concluded the observations he was instructed to make and apparently expected me to make some observations in reply. I limited myself to stating that I appreciated the courtesy of the Turkish Government in making these statements to the Government of the United States. I further said that it would, of course, not be a matter of surprise for the Turkish Ambassador to learn that American public opinion, in view of the repeated notorious incidents during the past two years, would find it difficult to comprehend why Turkey had found it desirable to enter into a “nonaggression pact” with Germany. The Ambassador made no oral reply but merely looked exceedingly dejected and nodded his head.
- Mehmet Münir Ertegün.↩