740.0011 European War 1939/7–3044: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 30—2:40 p.m.]
2813. Re Embassy’s 2791, July 28, 1 p.m. In my talks with Vyshinski today on other matters I took occasion to mention that Turkey would sever relations with Germany on August 1. Vyshinski stated that he was aware of this and that he felt sure that we knew the Soviet point of view in regard to Turkey. I said that we considered the break with Germany as the first step toward getting Turkey into the war as agreed at the Moscow Conference. Vyshinski remarked that there was now no time for a second step. I asked him whether he thought it would be useful to have conversations between the three Governments on how best to implement the second step. Vyshinski said that he did not believe that any useful purpose would be served [Page 895] by such conversations and remarked that Turkey should “now be left to its own fate”. Vyshinski in the talk showed no ill feeling but rather gave me the impression that he was well satisfied with the way things have developed.
The Soviets have evidently now decided to hold aloof from Turkey and refuse to recognize that Turkey’s break with Germany or even entry into the war come soon enough to be of real help in the defeat of Germany. Under this policy the Soviets get whatever benefits the Turkish actions may bring without paying the price of recognition of any obligation on their part toward Turkey in the peace settlement. Thus also the Soviet Government has used the British and our action vis-à-vis Turkey without Soviet approval to free itself of its obligation assumed at Moscow to concert with us in dealing with Turkey. I have no indication, however, that the Soviet Government has any specific plans at present regarding Turkey which would give rise to difficulties between us.
Under all the circumstances I believe that the situation should be reexamined with the British before any further approach is made to the Soviet Government.