867.24/158: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Turkey (MacMurray)
Washington, August 1, 1941—6
p.m.
134. Personal for the Ambassador. Your 275, July 26, 4 p.m.79a
- 1.
- The main lines of policy, as you readily recognize, now have to be determined by the broadest consideration of the actual trend of events. We are under pressure to give assistance to a great number of countries at the very moment when we are straining every resource to build up our own defense facilities. In consequence, the degree of need is necessarily the determining consideration. We have consequently taken the view, with which I fully agree, that the countries actually fighting have first claim on our resources.
- 2.
- In this aspect, the incidents mentioned in paragraph 3 of your 275 no longer have determining significance. Other nations are actively fighting in the front line to protect themselves and these necessarily take prior place.
- 3.
- I note your preoccupation with Halifax’s telegram 3067 to the British Foreign Office, reported by the Foreign Office to the British [Page 886] Embassy at Ankara and purporting to give an account of a conference held in the Department. The fact is that certain of the evidence relating to the incidents of which you have reported was made available to us by the British Embassy here; we endeavored to evaluate this information and, as it happens, the Halifax telegram was in error in indicating that we had made any decision.
- 4.
- The policy is actually determined on the broad considerations given above, with which I am certain you will readily agree. As matters now stand Turkey is being treated on a parity with the other American republics, which are closest to us in ties of obligations, affection and interest.
- 5.
- We attach the highest value to your opinions and judgments in all matters and particularly in those relating to our policy towards Turkey and we have given and will continue to give the fullest consideration and attention to them.
Welles
- Not printed.↩