Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1945, The Near East and Africa, Volume VIII

767.68119/9–1445: Telegram

The Chargé in Turkey (Packer) to the Secretary of State

Ankara, September 14, 1945—5 p.m.
[Received September 15—7:25 a.m.]

1226. Secretary General of FonOff asked me to call upon him this morning. He referred to current press reports concerning latest statement made by President Truman regarding Dardanelles.⁵⁸ These reports are substantially same as that contained in Radio Bulletin No. 208 [218], September 12 from Dept.⁵⁹

Acikalin said that these press reports had created if not anxiety at least some disquiet in Turkey and that fact that Turk Govt had not been informed concerning President Truman’s attitude toward Dardanelles produced conviction that either (1) the formula which President Truman had worked out was incompatible with or prejudicial to the interests of Turkey or (2) it had been decided not to approach Turk Govt on the subject prior to the proposed discussion thereof at London Conference of Foreign Ministers in order that Russians might be informed that no discussion of subject had taken place with the Turks.

Informed Acikalin that I had immediately telegraphed to Washington communication which he had recently handed me (Embassy’s 1140 [1141] to 1147 inclusive August 29 [20]) but that I had received nothing from Dept in reply; and that I had no instructions from Dept on subject. I said that I would be glad to telegraph at once to Dept his interest as above expressed and to communicate to him any message I might receive for him in reply adding that I doubted very much that he would hear anything until London Conference was finished.

I inquired any information from Ambassador Baydur on subject. He said he had nothing from the Ambassador regarding President Truman’s statement to press although he had received report on Ambassador’s recent discussion with George Allen.

I remarked that as I had no instructions on subject I could not speak officially but that personally I could not believe United States and England would take any position prejudicial to Turk interests in the Straits. Acikalin said that he was inclined to same view but that he would like very much to know what President Truman had meant by “internationalization of the Dardanelles”.

Has the Dept any instructions?⁶⁰

Sent to Dept as 1226; to London as 89 for the Secretary.

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Packer

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58. Transcript of President Truman’s September 12 press conference may be found in Public Papers of the President of the United States Harry 8. Truman, 1945, p. 132.
59. Radio Bulletin No. 218 reported: “In answer to a query, President said that lie had not been in communication with the Turkish Government regarding a proposal for the internationalization of the Dardanelles, explaining that he had read this proposal to the Big Three meeting at Potsdam and that it was now up to the Council of Foreign Ministers.”
60. The Ambassador was informed in telegram 931, September 19, 1945, 8 p.m., to Ankara, that “Department regrets that it has not as yet been able to send you information regarding Straits question. Recommendations for certain revisions in Montreux Convention are still under consideration and we hope to be able to reply to Turks in near future. You will be informed as soon as decision is reached.” (767.68119/9–1445)