767.68119/10–2345: Telegram
The Ambassador in Turkey (Wilson) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 24—6:30 a.m.]
1357. Deptel 1017, Oct. 19, 4 p.m. I doubt if expiration of 1925 treaty on November 7 next will have any appreciable effect on Turkish-Soviet [Page 1257] relations. Looking at matter from Turkish angle it was Turkey which took initiative of Moscow conversations last June having been encouraged to do so by Soviet Ambassador here in his informal talks with Sarper. Jolt which Turkey received from Molotov is not apt to encourage Turks to pursue this line further. Also Turks feel that after Potsdam initiative is in hands of United States, Britain and USSR particularly former and they are now awaiting receipt of our suggestions for modification of Montreux Convention. From Soviet angle recent Tass communiqué makes plain what was already fairly obvious, namely that Soviets are not in favor of internationalization of Straits. It seems possible that Soviets rather than be drawn into discussion for internationalization would prefer to let matter ride for time being, feeling that a day may come when through internal difficulties in Turkey a regime here more “friendly” to USSR may be brought to power. In any case USSR as Black Sea power enjoys favorable status under Montreux Convention and stands to lose nothing by postponing action for a while. This would seem indicated course if, as I believe, and have so reported to Department,72 question of Straits as raised by USSR is mere pretense behind which lies real Soviet objective namely domination of Turkey.
Of course it may be that Soviets have already reached decision to use strong arm methods against Turkey at early date. But implementation of such decision would be on basis of opportunism and would hardly be related to expiry of 1945 treaty.
Sent Dept as 1357; repeated to Moscow as 85 and to London as 110.