867.24/175
Memorandum of Conversation, by Mr. John D. Jernegan of the Division of Near Eastern Affairs
| Participants: | Mr. Murray |
| Mr. Edminster | |
| Mr. Meltzer90 | |
| Mr. Blaisdell91 | |
| Mr. Jernegan |
Mr. Edminster and Mr. Meltzer brought out the fact, upon which all were agreed, that the formula of “parity with the American republics” is meaningless as applied to Turkey’s requests for material from this country. This is true both because Turkish needs are at present in many cases not comparable to those of the American republics and because a general formula of this type takes on meaning only as it is applied to each specific article needed.
It was felt, therefore, that less importance should be given to formulae, although there must necessarily remain a certain “weighting” factor in allotting American production to our own needs and those of the various nations supporting the democratic cause. In the case of Turkey, this “weighting factor” must necessarily be influenced by the fact that Turkey is not at war and that it is not at all certain that she will ultimately enter the war on the Allied side. It was recalled that the Secretary and Under Secretary have repeatedly told the British that this Government is not prepared to give Turkey preference over nations actively resisting aggression or over the American republics.
Mr. Edminster explained that there is a considerable body of pending requests under Lend-Lease, made on behalf of Turkey by the British. He believes that the failure to make a decision on many of these requests may be a result of the State Department’s action of last June in requesting that all action be suspended in view of Turkey’s nonaggression pact with Germany. This in spite of the “go ahead” signal given on July 25, when the American republics parity formula was decided upon.
Mr. Edminster said he thought that a large number of these requests for Turkey could probably be approved within a few days if this Department expressed an interest in them.
It was agreed that Turkey’s present attitude is too uncertain to warrant sending any very large quantities of supplies at this time. However, in view of the desirability of giving the Turks some sort [Page 900] of encouragement, to keep them from feeling abandoned by the democracies, it was felt that some sort of a showing ought to be made as soon as possible. This might be done without committing ourselves too far, since articles approved now would not reach Turkey for two or three months and could be stopped en route if the situation should change.
It was therefore decided that an interim telegram should be sent to Ambassador MacMurray, letting him know that the American republics parity formula is not workable and not being applied, the purpose of this telegram being merely to prevent the Ambassador from making any over-enthusiastic statement to the Turkish Government. Mr. Edminster would get in touch with the Lend-Lease people and endeavor to obtain approval for as many Turkish requests now pending as possible. Details of these approvals would then be cabled to the Ambassador, together with a general statement of policy to be communicated to the Turkish Government which should call attention to the practical steps taken to help Turkey rather than to any specific priority status assigned to her.
The meeting agreed in substance that no definite stand on Turkey should be taken at this time, but that Mr. Edminster’s office should keep in touch with the appropriate Government agencies with a view to obtaining approval for such Turkish requests as may appear advisable from week to week, in the light of the international situation and Turkey’s attitude.