767.68119/8–2646: Telegram
The Ambassador in Turkey (Wilson) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 26—2:13 p.m.]
926. In conversation this morning with Secretary General, Foreign Office, he read me excerpts from telegram from Turkish Ambassador, Paris, reporting conversation with Secretary General, Quai d’Orsay, as follows: When French Chargé d’Affaires at Moscow presented French note on Straits to Dekanozov,79 latter said he failed to understand French point of view. Chargé replied France, as signatory Montreux Convention, could recognize changes in Straits regime only if agreed to by all states party to Convention. Dekanozov stated, in effect, Montreux Convention no longer in force since Turkish violations during war destroyed its validity and it was now a question not of modifying non-existing convention but of establishing a new regime. USSR in sending its note to Turkey had acted accordance with Potsdam Agreement rather than on basis provisions Montreux Convention. French Chargé reiterated France regards Montreux Convention as in force and can be modified only by appropriate action interested powers.
Erkin said foregoing views expressed by Dekanozov may give indication line Soviets intend to follow.
Repeated Paris for Secdel as 71.
- Vladimir Georgiyevich Dekanozov, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Soviet Union.↩