740.0011 European War 1939/12484: Telegram
The Ambassador in Turkey (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 26—5:30 a.m.]
217. Turkish leaders are giving vent in private to unrestrained jubilation at the outbreak of war between Germany and Russia. It is their fervent hope that the two “gangsters” will exhaust themselves in a long struggle. A similar sentiment is prevalent in [apparent omission] circles and among the general public.
Turkish press has been restrained and noncommittal in its comments. However, attention is drawn to the statement of Hitler with reference to the demand made by Soviet Government for military bases on the Straits and indignation expressed at such activities on the part of a country of which Turkey has been a sincere friend for [Page 873] 20 years and with which it has done everything possible to maintain relations on a basis of complete confidence. The press emphasizes that Turkish Government has proclaimed its neutrality; but Turkey must be on its guard and watch carefully developments. Editorial writers have avoided making any prophecies as to outcome of the struggle declaring that only time can tell. Several papers point out that Soviet Union is now paying for the great errors which it has committed; the Soviet leaders had counted upon a long war between the “imperialists” states which would leave them, particularly Germany, so weakened that Soviet Union would be the dominant power; the Soviet policy had permitted Germany to destroy her opponents separately and now Soviet Union practically alone must confront Germany. Only one writer has observed that the German attack on Russia shows utter worthlessness of non-aggression treaties now-a-days.