740.00119 European War 1939/8–2344: Telegram
The Chargé in Turkey (Kelley) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 24—3:34 a.m.]
1549. The Prime Minister80 informed me today that he had received a telegram from the Turk Chargé in Bucharest to the following effect:
I have just been with the Prime Minister. He told me that the situation was very serious. In 2 days all Bessarabia will be occupied by the Russians. We desire you to act as our intermediary in obtaining an armistice. I am speaking in full agreement with the King, the Marshal and all the leaders of the opposition. Please obtain within 24 hours the reply of the British and American Governments to the following:
The Prime Minister of Rumania would like to know which of the three following alternatives are preferred by the British and American Governments: (1) despatch of a Rumanian representative to Moscow to conclude an armistice; (2) to enter into contact simultaneously with the Americans, British and Russians to fix the conditions of an armistice; or (3) to discuss the armistice conditions in Cairo with the Allies.
The Prime Minister said he would appreciate it if I would let him know as soon as possible the views of the American Government.
- Sükrü Saracoglu.↩