867.24/257: Telegram

The Ambassador in Turkey ( Steinhardt ) to the Secretary of State

249. Department’s 115, April 1, 9 p.m. I appreciate the Department’s concern lest the Turkish authorities gain the impression that lend-lease supplies are gifts. I do not believe that they entertain any such belief. Quite the contrary on the only occasion the subject has been mentioned to me it was apparent that the Secretary General of the Foreign Office on learning of the greatly increased shipments of lend-lease material was apprehensive that immediate payment in cash might be sought. Since then the subject of payment has not been mentioned to me.

There is however little doubt in my mind that the Turkish authorities, as the result of past experience in matters of this kind with governments other than the United States, are perplexed at the shipment of large amounts of material without an understanding as to what will be expected of them in return. They appear to be puzzled at the disposal of American lend-lease aid through the British and irritated at the resultant delays. I believe that a master lend-lease agreement will clarify their understanding.

Steinhardt