867.24/375: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant)
3666. Turkish Ambassador in Washington has expressed to the Department his firm conviction that the British Government has been charging and continues to charge the Turkish Government for all Lend-Lease supplies which we accord Great Britain for re-transfer to Turkey. The Ambassador believes the British Government makes the charge against a credit extended by Britain to Turkey in 1939, which Turkey is currently repaying in installments every 6 months.
The allegation has arisen from time to time in the past that Britain was charging Turkey for supplies furnished by us, and has been denied by the British authorities here. It is clearly desirable, however, to correct any misapprehension which may exist in the minds of the Turkish officials either in Washington or Ankara.
[Page 705]Please inform the appropriate British authorities that the Department is most anxious for the question to be cleared up beyond any doubt, to the end that the Turkish Government may instruct its Ambassador in Washington that Turkey is not paying Great Britain, either in cash or goods, for supplies furnished Turkey by the United States.
Please repeat to Ankara as no. 382 and keep Ankara informed of developments.