664.82/11–1951: Telegram
The Ambassador in Turkey (Wadsworth) to the Department of State
464. Turkish FonOff yesterday released texts of notes exchanged between Turkish and Bulgarian Govts re closing of Turkish-Bulgarian frontier Nov 8, by Turkish auths.
[Page 1184]Bulgarian note, dated Nov 14, protest “unilateral” closing of Turkish-Bulgarian frontier “in evident violation of the contractual obligations existing between the two countries” and demands opening of frontier. Note concludes that if frontier is not immed reopened, it is only Turkish Govt which will bear responsibility for “the grave consequences” which the unilateral acts of Turkish auths will have causes.
Turkish reply delivered Bulgarian FonOff Nov 17, asserts Bulgarian auths have frequently tried to incl among Turk immigrants persons not of Turkish origin, particularly gypsies, furnished with false visas and that it is on these grounds that Turkey has again been obliged close frontier. Reply reviews previous exchs of notes and conversations concerning similar acts, characterizes charges made in Bulgarian note as false and formally rejects them. Reply concludes by protesting uncooperative attitude of Bulgarian auths and states frontier will remain closed until Bulgarian Govt agrees to take back those persons who recently arrived Turkey with false visas and also agrees to reiterate formally that all necessary measures will be taken to prevent repetition of such acts.1
Full texts being pouched.2
- In telegram 392 from Istanbul, December 20, Consul General Mathews reported that the Turkish Foreign Minister told the Grand National Assembly that the Bulgars had stopped further emigration of Turk-Bulgars because they had discovered that it was a great mistake economically (882.181/12–2051).↩
- Not printed.↩