700.00(S)/9–1850: Circular telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to Certain Diplomatic Offices 1
Infotel. In Sep 14 mtg NAT deputies,2 approved US proposal3 re Turkey. In discussion, Fr deputy stressed fact that Turkey geographically beyond scope pact and difficulties parliamentary vote re admission, but recognized need associate Turkey with NAT milit org. UK noted internal and external pressure leading to Turk request, said [Page 327] that although US proposal unsatisfactory it wld be least bad choice, but doubted it wld provide lasting solution. Felt any formula re Turkey shld also apply Greece, and indicated complications rising from associating peripheral countries. Italy more sympathetic to Turk request and suggested refusal not be made irrevocable terms. Neth strongly opposed request on grounds admission NE state wld change nature pact from closely knit community to widespread anti-Sov alliance and seriously weaken it. Norway’s views similar but felt rejection Turk request shld not be phrased to bar possibility Swedish or Irish membership. Canada held similar view re Atlantic community relationship but prepared accept US proposal.
- Sent to Athens, Ankara, and Tehran.↩
- The summary of this 21st meeting of the Council Deputies was transmitted from New York to Washington by Acheson in telegram Secto 15, September 15; not printed, 740.5/9–1550.↩
- The proposal referred to here is a slightly altered version of that presented by Acheson in the third meeting of the Foreign Ministers on September 13 in New York. According to the proposal, Turkey and later Greece if Turkey accepted, would be invited to associate with NATO in its military planning for the Mediterranean area. For the minutes of the September 13 meeting, see p. 1209.↩