767.68119/9–2646: Telegram
The Chargé in Turkey (Bursley) to the Secretary of State
priority
[Received September 27—10 a.m.]
1034. Shortly after midnight September 24, Soviet Chargé presented new Straits note consisting 12 pages. In handing me French text noon today, Erkin said on basis his preliminary study tone seemed softer than of previous note, Soviets possibly less insistent point 4 but insisting point 5. Several references to Montreux in note although calling for at least preliminary direct negotiations between Turks and Soviets. The Turks did not consider reply especially urgent matter since Soviets had taken month to reply Turk note. Before replying Turks most desirous have British and our views. Secretary General also gave British Embassy copy note.
This telegram drafted prior our study of note.
We are studying, translating note and will report fully with comments as soon as possible.82
It would be helpful to us here to know whether Department and Paris have text of note.
To Paris as 91, to Bern as 4 for Ambassador Wilson with message from Erkin that he does not regard matter sufficiently urgent for Wilson return here ahead of schedule.
- For text of translated note, see telegram 1035, September 26, 6 p.m., infra. The note was published in Moscow on September 28.↩