740.0011 European War 1939/6–3044: Telegram
The Ambassador in Turkey (Steinhardt) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 1—3:41 a.m.]
1189. Hugessen called on the Prime Minister56 this morning and submitted in accordance with his Government’s instructions, a request that the Turk Government break off economic and diplomatic relations with Germany.
Hugessen states that Saraçoğlu observed that Turkey was being asked to take action which was “dishonorable”, adding that it would be very difficult for the Turkish Government to break off economic and diplomatic relations as it could not take such action without obtaining the prior approval of the party, the Grand National Assembly and the country and it was doubtful that such approval could be obtained. Saraçoğlu then remarked that it would be much more difficult to obtain approval for such action than for Turkey’s entry into the war. Hugessen said he hoped the Turk Government would not take this position since it would have a most unfortunate effect in London. When London had requested Turkey to enter the war the Turk Government had presented as a condition a list of requirements which were “exaggerated and impossible to fill”. Now when the British were requesting Turkey to break off economic and diplomatic relations, they were told that such action could not be taken because it was “dishonorable”. Saraçoğlu admitted that the Turk Government had requested an “extravagant” amount of war material as a condition of its entry into the war and remarked that the situation had now changed so that a much lesser amount of material would be required. Upon Hugessen’s observing that the Turk Government would probably still need an excessive amount of war material and remarking that present Allied military plans probably did not envisage Turkey’s participation in the war and that he knew of no plan for a major Balkan operation, Saraçoğlu replied that the British might now fix what Turkey needed in the way of military equipment, the preparatory period, and the date of her entry into the war.
While discussing the possibility of Turkey’s entry into the war, the Prime Minister set forth his conception of the role that should be played by Turkey. He suggested that Turkey issue an ultimatum to Bulgaria to expel the Germans from her territory and if the Bulgarians failed to do so, the Turkish army aided by the troops “of her Russian ally” would drive them out. Hugessen remarked that he was not [Page 867] authorized to discuss the question of Turkey’s entry into the war. He urged Saraçoğlu to give the most serious consideration to his Government’s request that Turkey break off economic and diplomatic relations with Germany. Saraçoğlu said he would discuss the matter with the President and let him have a reply in a few days.
Later in the day Saraçoğlu requested Hugessen to call to see him, and said he had noted that the British request was not made under the alliance. Hugessen agreed. He explained that the British Government was making the request with a view to ascertaining whether the alliance was still alive. Saraçoğlu then inquired as to whether Hugessen could assure him that if the Turk Government complied with the request now made by London, the British Government would thereafter treat Turkey as a full ally. Hugessen assured Saraçoğlu to this effect.
I have made an appointment to see Saraçoğlu tomorrow for the purpose of supporting Hugessen’s representations. I understand that Hugessen has requested Vinogradov to seek authority from his Government to do likewise.
- Sükrü Saraçoğlu.↩