501.BC/6–1848: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Turkey
426. Urtel 491 June 18.1 Re Sarper’s request US support of Turkey’s candidacy, current informal thinking in Dept tends favor supporting India rather than Turkey for forthcoming Near Eastern vacancy. While we recognize greater reliability of Turkey, there are reasons making it desirable favor India. We had hitherto been under impression that Turkey, already member ECOSOC, not particularly anxious for SC seat.
Before taking position, Dept requests your views including estimate of (1) whether Sarper is acting with full support of Turk Govt; (2) Whether our non-support of Turk candidacy would seriously jeopardize current policy and relations with Turkey.
- Not printed.↩