761.67/9–2545: Telegram

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

1252. Memorandum regarding Soviet-Turkish relations attached to Department’s instruction 727 dated July 262 contained statement “The Straits are the crux of the Turkish question”. Insofar as Soviet-Turkish relations are concerned I believe this statement is open to doubt. Development of air power since World War I has fundamentally altered question of Straits. Freedom of passage of Straits for Russia cannot be effectively guaranteed by international agreement nor even by actual control of Straits because air power based for example on Crete could deny effective use of Straits to Russia. Rather it seems to me question of Straits as raised by USSR instead of being [Page 1249] crux of matter appears merely facade behind which lies real Soviet objective. This objective as regards Turkey is to bring about change in Turkey’s internal regime. In chain of countries bordering USSR on west and south from Baltic to Black Sea, Turkey is sole country which is not governed by “friendly” regime. A “friendly” regime in Turkey under Soviet domination would mean actual control by USSR of Straits. But more important than this it would mean termination of Turko-British alliance and end of western liberal influence in Turkey and probably ultimately in Middle East.

Soviet pressure on Turkey beginning with denunciation of friendship pact last March followed by Molotov demands in June and by subsequent radio and press attacks forcing Turkey to maintain large military forces mobilized with consequent strain on already unsatisfactory economic situation is doubtless intended to “soften up” Turkey. These tactics have not succeeded so far. But any agreement among great powers giving Russia privileged position at Straits at expense of Turkish security would so upset conditions in Turkey as conceivably to bring about downfall of present regime with resultant situation playing into Soviet hands.

Sent Department, repeated to Moscow as 77, to London as 95 for Secdel.

Wilson
  1. Not printed.