761.67/6–1245: Telegram

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

786. Re my 782, June 12, 1 p.m.37 The PriMin38 told me this morning that a telegram was received late last night from the Turk Amb in Moscow which indicates the Russians have now put forward a more definite point of view. Without indicating details he said his first impression is that “it smells bad”.

Later in the day I saw the Acting FonMin who also told me of the telegram from Moscow. He said the matter will require very careful consideration and it will be a few days before it can be determined whether the Soviet views offer an acceptable basis for discussion. He said he would keep me informed.

Sent to Dept, rptd to Moscow as 36.

[
Wilson
]
  1. Not printed; in this telegram Edwin C. Wilson reported that after he had presented his letters of credence as Ambassador to Turkey to President Inönü on June 11, in the course of the ensuing conversation he inquired whether there were any recent developments in Soviet-Turkish relations. President Inönü replied that there were none, and that the Turks “are waiting”. He added that “we are prepared to discuss anything with the Russians so long as it doesn’t affect our independence and sovereignty”. (500.CC/6–1245)
  2. Sükrü Saraçoğlu.