740.0011 European War 1939/7–2344: Telegram
The Chargé in Turkey (Kelley) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:29 p.m.]
1349. Following is the text of the statement made to the Prime Minister by the British Ambassador:
“His Majesty’s Ambassador has been instructed by His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom to inform the Turkish Government that they accept with satisfaction the Turkish Government’s agreement of which His Excellency Monsieur Saraçoğlu informed Sir Hughe Knatchbull-Hugessen on July 4th to break off economic and diplomatic relations with Germany. His Majesty’s Government accordingly rely on the Turkish Government to take this action forthwith subject to the 4 days’ notice which Monsieur Saraçoğlu indicated that the Turkish Government would require.
- 2.
- His Majesty’s Government would regard this rupture of relations by Turkey as a first step towards ultimate belligerency, details of which His Majesty’s Government will discuss with the Turkish Government at a later date.
- 3.
- Sir Hughe Knatchbull-Hugessen is at the same time
authorized by his Government to give to the Turkish
Government the following assurances:
- (a)
- If Turkey, within the framework of the alliance, breaks off relations with Germany, Turkey will, in the opinion of His Majesty’s Government, have clarified her policy … and will have placed herself in a better position than hitherto to fill that international position at the peace making to which she aspires;
- (b)
- His Majesty’s Government will, within the limits of their material possibilities, afford to Turkey all assistance necessary to mitigate the economic disturbances which may result from the severance of relations with Germany. The bans on the export to Turkey of certain commodities now in force will be lifted as soon as relations are broken. At the same time the flow of military supplies will be resumed as far as possible. His Majesty’s Government are requesting the United States Government also to resume military supplies.
- (c)
- His Majesty’s Government undertake that, if the action which Turkey now takes or in future shall take could involve her in hostilities with Germany the United Kingdom will lend her all assistance, economic and military, in its power.
- (d)
- His Majesty’s Government also undertakes to use their good offices with their Allies with a view to obtaining for Turkey assistance similar to that which in sub-paragraphs (b) and (c) above they undertake themselves to afford.”
The British Ambassador also left with the Prime Minister the following memorandum:
“It is the view of His Majesty’s Government after careful consideration of the facts that Germany will be unlikely to attack Turkey as the result of the rupture of relations. Nevertheless His Majesty’s Government appreciate that the Turkish Government may wish to guard against all eventualities, however remote.
The equipment necessary for initial radar cover and communications for the air defence of Istanbul and Izmir are already in Turkey. Some additional equipment to improve and extend radar cover and essential communications can be sent from Mideast within a short period if required. The equivalent of one night fighter squadron will be available to move to Turkey at once if the Turkish Government should wish His Majesty’s Government to provide such assistance, Meanwhile the agreement of the United States Government to the transfer of these aircraft to Turkey is being sought.”