767.68119/10–1546: Telegram
The Ambassador in Turkey (Wilson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:14 p.m.]
1101. Secretary General Foreign Office has shown me final draft Turkish reply to Soviet note on Straits. Some improvements have been made in draft which Saka gave me Sunday. It strikes me as first class job, non-provocative, well-reasoned and convincing. Prime [Page 879] Minister and President have approved it and therefore little chance of further change when Cabinet considers it October 17. Time schedule for delivery to Soviet Embassy and publication remains as reported mytel 1094, October 14.4
Erkin tells me Soviet agents very active throughout country spreading stories in coffee houses that difficulties between Turkey and Russia could easily be arranged by direct conversations between two countries which Soviets have proposed but Turkey being prevented from holding such conversations by imperialist reactionary US and UK. This campaign being subtly abetted in extreme left-wing press by such pro-Soviet people as Rüstü Aras.5 Erkin considers second Soviet note with its sharpening of issue as regards direct conversations as cleverer and more insidious than first note. Turkish Government has reliable information Litvinov6 drafted second note, having been resurrected by Soviet Government for this purpose. Turkish Government absolutely opposed to direct conversation with Soviets, being convinced they could only lead to confusion and misunderstanding adding grist to Soviet propaganda mill. Erkin believes that Soviets, in trying to bring Turkey into direct talks, plan to prepare way for proposal for regional understanding of Black Sea powers concerning Straits, rather than demand for bases. It would become extremely awkward and difficult for Turkey to avoid being drawn into discussions on regional basis if once Turkey should make initial error consenting to direct conversations with USSR. It is for this reason both he and Foreign Minister are bewildered over British suggestion and publication statement by British Foreign Office spokesman that Turkey should have direct talks with Soviets. Saka tells me Turkish Government went back at British vigorously on this point and believes convinced them, at least he says British have dropped matter.