Foreign Relations of the United States, Diplomatic Papers, The Conferences at Cairo and Tehran, 1943

Roosevelt Papers: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the President¹

secret

Washington, November 20, 1943.

For the President from Secretary Hull

Ankara reports on November 18 that Numan obtained approval of Party Leaders to reply to Eden that Turks have now decided in principle to enter the war. Numan agreed that military assistance to Turkey is now the prime consideration and political question of Russian assurances should be postponed. British believe Turkish decision cannot long remain secret and are concerned about possible premature Axis attack. British evacuated about 1,000 troops from Leros to Turkey, but reported to have lost seven destroyers.

Ankara reports on November 17 that Von Papen told Finnish Minister that Turks will not enter War. Minister believes Von Papen intends to reassure Hitler and, while concealing truth from Hitler, hasten his downfall as Von Papen stated peace was not possible unless² Hitler and the Nazis were removed from power.

1. Sent by the White House Map Room to Greer at Oran, apparently via military channels.
2. This reads “unless and until” in the file copy in the Hull Papers.