740.0011 E.W./9–744: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Turkey (Steinhardt)
783. Your 1677, September 7, 6 p.m. For your information hardly more than one hour’s prior notice was given to British and American Ambassadors in Moscow of the Soviet declaration of war on Bulgaria September 5. According to Harriman’s 3361 September 7, 3 p.m., British Ambassador, Moscow, on September 6 informed Molotov that he was under instructions to express the astonishment of his Government that Soviets had declared war on Bulgaria without previous consultation and at a time when Bulgaria appeared to be anxious to make peace with Allies.
[Here follows report on Ambassador Harriman’s telegram.]
[Page 408]Foregoing will be of interest in connection with the concern expressed by Saraçoglŭ.
Please keep Department informed of developments which may come to your attention in Turkish reaction, attitude, and intentions. Should the Turks, as rumored, contemplate a declaration of war on Germany in the near future, presumably with a view to recording Turkey’s position beyond equivocation and possibly paving the way for adherence to the United Nations Declaration, Department would appreciate your views and comment.
The Department is not aware of London’s current thinking regarding the course it might now be desirable for Turkey to follow. Has the British Embassy, Ankara received any information in this connection?
Sent to Ankara as Department’s 783, repeated to London as Department’s no. 7334.