867.24/352: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Turkey ( Steinhardt )
Washington
, July 22,
1942—6 p.m.
354. Your 751, July 17, noon, your 752, July 17, 3 p.m., and the Department’s 347, July 18, 8 p.m.
- 1.
- Wheat in any reasonable quantity will be made available for the Turkish Government in this country for shipment to Turkey.
- 2.
- In accordance with your recommendation, the Department has requested Lend-Lease Administration and War Shipping Administration, and they have agreed, to issue instructions that wheat be loaded instead of war materials or other supplies on all vessels assigned to carry supplies to Turkey. The War Shipping Administration has informed the Department that approximately 15,000 tons of wheat as fill-in cargo could be lifted from the U. S. during the next 45 to 60 days for Turkey on the basis of present schedules. Diversion of additional United Nations’ ships for this purpose would be extremely difficult due to urgent priorities for battle areas. Turkish charter of vessels such as interned French ships referred to would represent most hopeful solution for large scale shipments. In your judgment will the 15,000 tons of cargo space referred to above plus tonnage Turkey is likely to charter for the purpose meet the situation?
- 3.
- In view of the clear and immediate urgency of Saraçoğlu’s appeal and the length of time at best before any cargo of wheat from the U. S. could arrive in Turkey, recourse to whatever supplies of wheat the Middle East Supply Center actually holds in the Middle Eastern area would appear indicated as an alternative. Before committing this Government to make the 15,000 tons above referred to in paragraph 2 available to the Turks, please consult with your British colleague and verify directly with MESC that this amount of wheat cannot be made available by MESC within the time contemplated for the delivery of such wheat from the U. S.
- 4.
- The Department will likewise pursue its inquiries with regard to the MESC through the British here, and will also investigate the possible alternative of wheat shipments from Australia. Please keep us informed of developments and any further action which your judgment indicates should be taken in Washington.
Hull