740.0011 European War 1939/8581: Telegram
The Ambassador in Turkey (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:43 p.m.]
40. The following is a translation of an interview with the Minister for Foreign Affairs published in this morning’s semi-official Ulus in reference to the divergent interpretations placed upon the recent Turkish-Bulgarian declaration.
“Nothing has changed in Turkish policy; Turkey remains faithful to her alliances; she is determined to live on good terms with all the Powers, particularly with her neighbors. Turkey could not remain in any way indifferent to foreign activities which might take place within her zone of security; Turkey would oppose by arms any aggression which might be directed against her territorial integrity or her independence.
“The Turco-Bulgarian accord is an understanding between the two States whose desire is to safeguard their own peace and stretch out their hands cordially to each other declaring that they have nowhere any aggressive purposes whatsoever. Any desire that might be manifested under the same circumstances for the realization of a like aim would also be welcomed by Turkey with the same eagerness.”
Repeated to Sofia.