867.00/3170: Telegram
The Ambassador in Turkey (Steinhardt) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:03 p.m.]
658. The Soviet Ambassador called to see me this morning. He has received instructions to return to Moscow immediately and is leaving tomorrow. A special plane will meet him at Soviet frontier. In conversation yesterday with Turkish Ambassador to Moscow, Aktay expressed opinion conviction of Soviet defendants in bomb explosion trial was unjust but insisted trial was without political implications and told him convicted men would be released “in 3 months if war comes to an end that soon”.
Vinogradov called on Saraçoğlu yesterday to inform him of his departure for Moscow. Saraçoğlu emphasized Turkey’s desire to remain neutral and to maintain friendly relations with Soviet Union. He stressed fact that conviction of Soviet defendants was without political significance and pointed out Turkish Government was powerless to interfere with operation of the courts. He requested Vinogradov to explain situation to his Government. Vinogradov made no attempt to conceal his concern at unexpected order to return to Moscow immediately by special plane. He is convinced his Government views trial and convictions as entirely political and seems to fear he may be called upon to bear the brunt of his Government’s displeasure. In saying goodbye he frankly remarked he did not know when or whether he would return to Ankara.
Repeated to Kuibyshev.
[The Turkish Appellate Court ordered a new trial. The new trial resulted in re-conviction of all defendants although sentences for Soviet nationals were a little less severe.]