124.90H/71

Memorandum of Conversation, by Mr. W. Leonard Parker of the Division of Near Eastern Affairs

Participants: Mr. Mehmet Münir Ertegun, Turkish Ambassador
Mr. Murray
Mr. Parker

The Turkish Ambassador called this morning, at Mr. Murray’s request, to discuss matters relating to the opening of a Legation at Kabul.

The Ambassador was informed that, in view of the existing situation in the Near and Far East, and because of the presence in Kabul of an Assistant Military Attaché, the Department desires to open a legation at Kabul as soon as possible. It was explained that a Foreign Service officer could be appointed minister resident and that funds would be available for his salary within the framework of existing legislation, but that the appointment of an envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary would involve considerable delay in securing appropriations and in effecting the appointment. The Ambassador indicated that he understood this situation.

Mr. Murray then referred to a suggestion made in a previous conversation by the Ambassador that a chargé d’affaires might be appointed. Mr. Murray then proceeded to outline the steps which had been taken to secure permission from the Afghan Government to open a legation. He explained that an officer had been assigned from Kuibyshev to Kabul in order to open the legation as soon as possible and that it was intended to assign a high-ranking Foreign Service officer to that post to assume charge as soon as one could be returned from Europe. He then informed the Ambassador of the substance of Tehran’s telegram no. 52 of March 1, noon, stating that the Afghan Government does not agree to the opening of the legation by a third [Page 47] secretary before the appointment of a minister and prefers that the legation should be opened by such a minister.

Mr. Murray then requested the Turkish Ambassador to take this matter up with the Afghan Government, explaining that the assignment of a third secretary is but a temporary measure; that a highranking Foreign Service officer will be assigned as chargé d’affaires as soon as possible; and that consideration can be given to the appointment of a minister at a later date. The Ambassador stated that he would take this matter up with the Afghan Government immediately.