782.022/8–2250: Telegram

The Ambassador in Turkey (Wadsworth) to the Secretary of State

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125. I was taken aback to learn in conference mentioned paragraph two mytel 124 August 22 that, in answer to same enquiry unto Department in Embtel 213 April 29 on Bosphorus sea defense, British Foreign Office replied a month or more ago by long memorandum1 citing views its legal experts to effect that laying of mines in question would constitute violation of Montreux Convention.

Turkish Prime Minister commented to me that importance of problem is obvious; its early solution is to our mutual interest; in my view it would seem appropriate US and British Governments get together to find common ground; Britain is our ally and a signatory [Page 1300] of the convention; you are not a signatory but our closest collaborator in field of mutual defense; we are ready to lay those mine fields.

Unless Department perceives objection I propose call on British Ambassador in Istanbul this weekend, tell him our position and ask if I may read Foreign Office memorandum. It would be helpful if I could say (and also tell Turkish Foreign Minister) that Department is taking up question with Foreign Office.2

Wadsworth
  1. Reference is to a British aide-mémoire of June 19 to the Turkish Government (enclosure to despatch 113, August 29, from Ankara, 681.8229/8–2950, not printed).
  2. Department’s telegram 101, August 24, to Ankara, read as follows: “No objection ur proposals outline Dept’s position re mining Straits with Brit Amb also tell Turk FonMin Dept has instructed London Emb take matter up with FonOff” (782.022/8–2450).