811.20 Defense(M)Turkey/994: Telegram

The Ambassador in Turkey (Steinhardt) to the Secretary of State

714. I have had a talk this morning with my British colleague on subject of chrome. It was agreed between us I should have a further talk with Foreign Minister in course of next few days with a view to endeavoring to persuade him to agree to a further reduction from 4,000 tons monthly in shipments to Germany. As Department and FEA doubtless appreciate, matter of obtaining further reductions in the shipments of Turk chrome to Germany will be a part of our [Page 831] general discussions with the Turks growing out of the Anglo-American Joint Declaration. My British colleague and I are not without hope of ultimate success in effecting a further substantial reduction in shipments of chrome to Germany. Much will depend on our ability in the course of general discussions to guarantee Turk requirements of commodities which the Turks have been and are receiving from the Axis countries.

Steinhardt