Office of the Historian

740.0011 European War 1939/25112: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Turkey (Kelley)

Washington, October 31, 1942—9 p.m.

563. British Government feels strongly that a separate rather than a joint approach should be made to the Turkish Government regarding passage through the Dardanelles of the vessels from France. The Department feels accordingly that you should disregard previous instructions as to alternate courses of action in this matter and take the initiative in approaching the Turkish authorities. This would be followed by a similar approach on the part of the British in accordance with the policy outlined in the British Foreign Office’s telegram no. 6680 to its Embassy in Washington, repeated to Ankara. The Soviets could thereafter follow suit if they desired.

Hull