762.67/7–2844: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman) to the Secretary of State
[Received 1:25 p.m.]
2791. The British Ambassador informed Molotov by letter that the British Government was going ahead with the demand on Turkey to break relations with Germany explaining the reasons for this decision and the limits of the concessions to Turkey. The fact that the British [Page 894] Government considered this the first step on the part of Turkey in the direction of coming into the war on the side of the Allies was emphasized.
In reply the British Ambassador received a short note signed by Vyshinski76 acknowledging receipt of the information but stating that the Soviet position as previously stated remains unchanged.
From this correspondence and from my previous discussions with Molotov it is obvious that the Soviet Government chooses to hold itself aloof from this step by the Turks taken as a result of pressure of the British Government supported by ourselves. The reasons for this position may be any one of a series. The most probable I believe is that Soviet officials may not wish to recognize vis-à-vis the Turks that the breaking of relations is any concession to the Soviet Union.
It is improbable though possible that they sincerely believe that this step is contrary to the Moscow Agreement. On the other hand they will probably maintain this position.
I believe however that unless we do follow up this first step promptly with further steps designed to bring Turkey into the war the Soviets’ suspicion will definitely be aroused.
Considering the above I believe that it would be wise for both the British Ambassador and myself to be instructed to approach the Soviet Government with a definite proposal and procedure for consultation on ways and means by which Turkey can best be brought into the war.
- Andrey Yanuaryevich Vyshinsky, Soviet First Assistant People’s Commissar for Foreign Affairs.↩