740.00119 Council/10–346: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Secretary of State, at Paris
5301. Secdel 1051. For the Secretary from Acheson. Before we were aware of Soviet note to Turkey Navy Dept told us informally that Randolph was planning make Mediterranean cruise and asked for suggestions on itinerary. Our tentative list included Izmir, at which no American warship had called since War, Piraeus, Beirut, Port Said and Jidda. (Urdelsec 1026 Oct 3.)88 Yesterday Navy again informally inquired re matter and we took position we still saw no objection to such a visit. It has been our thought that since there would probably be American warships in Mediterranean for indefinite period in future it might be well for various Eastern Mediterranean ports to become accustomed to visits American naval vessels so that eventually such visits would be regarded as routine matter rather than as diplomatic or political gestures. We have not felt that receipt by Turkey of a Soviet note should cause any change our tentative plans which may call not only for visit Izmir but for anchorage of several days in small southwestern Turkish port of Marmaris, east of Rhodes. If, however, in your opinion it would be unwise for American naval vessels visit any Turkish ports at this time we shall make your views known to the Navy which is displaying every desire to cooperate with us. Izmir is considerable distance from mouth Dardanelles. We would of course consult Turkey before making final decision to call at Turkish port.
- Not printed; the Secretary asked for information and quoted a press report. He felt the timing of a naval visit might be questionable. (740.00119 Council/10–346)↩