740.0011 European War 1939/7–444: Telegram
The Chargé in Turkey (Kelley) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 6—4:30 a.m.]
2013 [1213?]. The Prime Minister requested me to call at the Ministry this morning and handed me drafts of notes which the Turk Government proposed be exchanged between the British and Turkish Governments relative to the rupture of diplomatic and economic relations between Turkey and Germany. The following is a translation of the text of the note which the Turkish Government desires to receive from the British Government.
“His Majesty’s Government considers that by reason of the development taken by the war on the different fronts, the time has come for the Turkish Government to furnish to its ally greater assistance than it has furnished up to the present moment since the beginning of the war. Basing itself on the provisions of the treaty of alliance of October 19, 1939, His Majesty’s Government thinks that the rupture of diplomatic and economic relations with Germany would constitute the most effective way of increasing Turkey’s assistance to its ally. Also, in view of the considerations set forth below, His Majesty’s Government considers itself entitled to request the Government of the Turkish Republic as ally to adopt the attitude thus suggested by the British Government.
“Having, by the decision thus taken, definitively consecrated the bonds of alliance resulting for the two countries from the treaty of alliance of October 29 [19], 1939, the right of Turkey, devolving upon her as equal allied partner to take part in the settlement of all international questions at the time of the liquidation of the war and the edification of the peace will be sanctioned.
“It goes without saying that in anticipation of eventualities which might result for Turkey from the adoption of such an attitude, His Majesty’s Government will proceed with all possible despatch (a) to restore the mechanism of Lend-Lease, and (b) to furnish Turkey war material, and in particular planes and aviation material which will permit her to cope with any initial surprise.
“In other respects, and as was done in the past, Great Britain will make available to Turkey all facilities with a view to: (a) purchasing products remaining without markets and (b) satisfying in the measure possible the civil needs of which Turkey will find herself deprived as a result of the attitude set forth above for the purpose of preventing disturbances which might result from this attitude.
“If, as a consequence of the decision and the attitude which Turkey will find herself deprived as a result of the attitude set forth above which she will thus have adopted, Turkey will become the object of aggression, the United Kingdom will furnish Turkey all aid and assistance in its power, in order to permit it to defend itself and to successfully resist aggression. This aid and assistance will be the subject of conversations between the two general staffs.
“At the same time the requisite financial aid will be assured to Turkey with a view to permitting it to meet the necessities and the exigencies of the war and the consequences flowing from it.”
The following is the translation of the text of the note which the Turk Government proposes to address to the British Government upon receipt of the foregoing note.
“The Government of the Republic has studied with the most minute attention the request contained in the note which His Majesty’s Embassy has submitted to it in the name of its Government, as well as the considerations advanced in support of the request. The Government of the Republic, faithful to the line of conduct which it set for itself at the beginning of the war and from which it has never departed since, has decided to reply in the affirmative to the request which has been addressed to it by His Majesty’s Government, in accordance with the provisions of the treaty of alliance of October 19, 1939, and, consequently, break off, as of (date to be fixed), its economic and diplomatic relations with Germany, in the conditions determined by the said note.
“The Government of the Republic takes note that a perfect harmony of views exists between it and His Majesty’s Government as to the right of Turkey to take part, as equal allied partner, in the settlement of all international questions at the time of the liquidation of the war and the edification of the peace.
“In taking note of the aid and assistance which Great Britain declares itself ready to furnish to Turkey, the Government of the Republic is anxious to express its keen satisfaction for the comprehension which it shows of the necessities which Turkey will be called upon to meet.”