767.68119/8–1546: Telegram
The Ambassador in Turkey (Wilson) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 16—8:21 a.m.]
875. British Ambassador read me text British reply to Turkish Government request for views concerning Soviet note on Straits, which he gave Foreign Minister yesterday.
British state points 1 to 3 Soviet note in general accord with US proposals concerning which UK in agreement. Points 4 and 5, however, raise grave objections. Point 4 would exclude UK and all other non-Black Sea signatories from responsibility future Straits regime and also exclude US. Point 5 means establishment some sort Soviet base in Straits. Both proposals not acceptable to UK and presumably not to Turkey. As to Turkish reply, British suggest it might be to effect they have noted Soviet proposal for modification Montreux Convention; Turkey would be prepared attend international conference discuss amendments convention if all parties concerned agree; certain of Soviet proposals completely at variance with expressed views of some governments and Turkish agreement to participate in conference does not mean Turkey would be prepared support all proposals put forward by Soviets; Turkey would, however, consider in conjunction with other powers any appropriate modification Montreux Convention. British point out reply on such lines would be noncontroversial, would avoid involving Turkey in direct discussion with USSR on questions of substance and would uphold position that question of modifying international convention must be on basis international conference all interested parties.
[To] Paris as 51. Department repeat to London and Moscow if desired.