867.24/3–146: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in the Soviet Union (Kennan)
480. Embtel 604, Mar. 1.28 No suitable press comment for official announcement exists which can be used counter Soviet intimations US helping arm Turks.
Agreement concluded for sales to Turks on 10-year credit noncombat material intended civilian purposes. Negotiating with USSR for similar noncombat material on 30-year credit basis, difference being credit ceiling Turks 10 million dollars, USSR 100 million dollars. Comparable dollar term credit arrangements for noncombat material concluded also with Iran, Philippines, Lebanon and Ethiopia and will be offered other countries. Dept does not feel these arrangements suitable official announcement this time but would not object your setting record straight Moscow in bulletin or otherwise basis of foregoing. Sent Moscow—repeated Ankara as Dept. 223.
- Not printed.↩