Foreign Relations of the United States, 1946, The Near East and Africa, Volume VII

767.68119/8–1246: Telegram

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

secret
priority

Ankara, August 12, 1946—4 p.m.
[Received 7:36 p.m.]

856. Embtel 853, August 10. From Bursley’s report conversation Foreign Minister and Secretary General I believe Turks somewhat more concerned over Soviet note than impression gathered by British Ambassador indicated. This perhaps explained by fact Bursley saw them 24 hours later and they had more time to study note. After considering note I can appreciate their concern.

Following occurs to me:

1. Potsdam agreement provided three powers approach Turkish Government for revision Montreux Convention. US note November 2 last followed this procedure and proposed revision. Soviet note, however, proposes not revision but new regime on fundamentally different basis.

2. New regime would be established by Black Sea powers only, thus eliminating all other powers (it is in line Soviet policy Danube navigation). Defense Straits would be sole Turco-Russian responsibility, excluding other powers and UNO. Acceptance such proposal would mean end Turkish independence.

3. USSR is party Montreux Convention but note makes no pretense follow procedure article 29 for revision. Fact note delivered day before August 9⁵⁸ probably indicates only Soviet attempt confuse procedures as well as issues.

4. USSR of course cannot hope obtain acceptance proposal in entirety. Probably represents familiar technique staking out exaggerated claims with hope compromise and cash in to some extent. In this connection worth recalling US note November 2 went about extreme limit concessions to Black Sea powers possible within framework Montreux Convention. In fact it gave Russia everything that country has sought regarding Straits regime from time Peter Great until Molotov demand June 1945. If USSR can get its note accepted with ours as basis discussion international conference, it will have nothing to lose (since our proposals are matter of record and Turkey and UK accepted in principle) and can hope gain at least something from mutual concession necessary reach agreement conference. Under these circumstances would seem better have no conference than one on basis points 4 and 5 Soviet note.

5. Turkish Government of course alive these dangers will undoubtedly reject points 4 and 5. Government consistently maintained policy national pact 1920 re Straits, namely so long Turkish sovereignty security safeguarded willing consider with other maritime nations any regime for use Straits.

6. Turkish Government has asked our views before replying Soviet note. I suggest reply might include statement our position same as set out our note November 2, namely we prepared if invited participate international conference to revise Montreux Convention, revision of course to be within framework convention. I should like to be authorized add that if Turkey, as we understand its case, finds it impossible accept points 4 and 5 Soviet note as basis discussion, we should understand Turkish position since we ourselves could not agree to such proposals.

7. Since Soviets communicated note to US, I suggest we also address comments directly to them, stating inability accept points 4 and 5 although prepared attend conference consider points 1 to 3 which fall within framework Montreux Convention and hence within provisions Potsdam agreement.

8. At risk appearing repetitious, I venture recall views I have expressed Department that USSR not interested in revision Montreux Convention on merits but seeking make use Straits question in order destroy Turkish independence, establish “friendly” regime Turkey, thereby closing one remaining gap in chain Soviet satellite states from Baltic to Black Sea.

9. It strikes me maintenance Turkish independence has become vital interest US. If Turkey falls under Soviet control last barrier removed in way Soviet advance to Persian Gulf and Suez and temptation would be more than human nature could withstand. Once this happens fat is in fire again. Fortunately Turks are tough obstinate people, determined defend their position. They represent great asset in struggle maintain peace, stability Middle East and we should not permit this asset to be frittered away.

I shall be able travel within 3 or 4 days and shall go Ankara await Department’s reply.

Sent Department as 856, Paris for Usdel as 39, Moscow as 81, London as 118.

Wilson

58. A request for revision of the treaty had to be notified in detail to signatories 3 months prior to November 9 (the date the treaty went into force) after the lapse of a 5-year period; thus, August 9 was 3 months prior to the second 5-year period of the Convention, beginning in 1936.