811.20 Defense(M)/3289a Suppl.: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Turkey (MacMurray)
164. Reference Department’s 160 of September 19, 7 p.m.33
[Here follows summary of telegram No. 4415, printed supra.]
In accordance with this telegram from London and your suggestion in your 345 of September 18, the Secretary proposes to request the Turkish Ambassador to call tomorrow, September 22, and to inform him: (1) that the United States by agreement with Great Britain has a share in the British chrome contract and has a definite interest in the renewal of this contract so as to cover the entire production of Turkish chrome for the year 1942, (2) that this Government would find itself in an untenable position if it were to contemplate giving Lend-Lease aid to a country which although having contractual agreements with Great Britain and indirectly with the United States would nevertheless give to the enemies of Britain essential strategic materials seriously needed by Great Britain and the United States and (3) that of recent years and prospectively the United States has done and intends to do its utmost to sustain trade with Turkey and has provided materials and manufactures which have contributed to Turkish development and defense and it regards this request on chrome as a reasonable counterpart.
While it is hoped that this interview between the Secretary and the Turkish Ambassador will be helpful in obtaining the desired result, it is believed that a similar approach, emphasizing the three major points outlined above, should be made by you in Ankara. You are accordingly requested after consultation and in collaboration with your British colleague to present these three points to the Turkish authorities and otherwise to take such action as you will deem most effective to insure the prompt execution by the Turkish Government of an agreement with Great Britain or if it seems more desirable with Great Britain and the United States jointly for the acquisition of the entire production of Turkish chrome for 1942.