740.0011 European War 1939/14471: Telegram
The Ambassador in Turkey (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:46 p.m.]
317. British Ambassador yesterday found occasion to call on President Inönü for general discussion of progress of war. While their conversation was in other respects conspicuously friendly President made very strong protest against alleged failure of British to live up to their promises of war materials even though Hugessen was able to present him with reports indicating that deliveries had recently been very greatly increased and promises in very large part made good.
- 2.
- President then referred in what Hugessen described as caustic terms to alleged complete failure of our own Government to meet Turkish requests saying that there had been constant difficulties and so little result that Turks had ceased to count upon American assistance. Hugessen expressed great surprise in view of what information he had received from me as to very considerable quantities of American materials already turned over for shipment to Turkey or assured for near future.
- 3.
- Upon receipt of more up to date specific information promised in your 141, August 15, 1 p.m., propose to take steps to make sure that President’s ignorance in this matter is cleared up.