761.6711/3–3145: Telegram

The Ambassador in Turkey ( Steinhardt ) to the Secretary of State

440. In taking leave of the Foreign Minister today,26 he outlined his conception of Soviet motives and intentions in giving notice of termination of the Treaty of Friendship and Neutrality. He then set forth the Turkish present and probable future reaction. He enumerated his interpretation of Soviet motives and intentions substantially as follows:

1.
A desire to make it clear to the British that the Soviet Government regards Turkish-Soviet relations as within the framework of regional understandings notwithstanding the Anglo-Turkish alliance.
2.
Notice to the world that the Soviet Government regards the future regime of the Straits as exclusively the concern of the Black Sea powers.
3.
Notice to the British that the Soviet Government desires bilateral discussions with the Turkish Government in respect of future Turkish-Soviet relations including the regime of the Straits.
4.
An attempt to force bilateral discussions on the Turkish Government primarily for the purpose of facing the British with a fait accompli.

Saka expressed the view that while the Soviet Government will resort to what he described as “its customary methods” to achieve its [Page 1230] end and will not hesitate to exert extreme pressure including violent criticism and denunciation of the Turkish Government through the press, radio and by other means it will not resort to armed force.

Saka outlined the reaction of his Government as follows:

1.
The Turk Government has for some time past anticipated the notice of termination.
2.
The Turkish Government is prepared to discuss a modification of the Montreux Convention.
3.
The Turkish Government would prefer international rather than bilateral discussions looking to a modification of the Montreux Convention but does not exclude bilateral discussions.
4.
The Turkish Government has already inquired informally of the Soviet Government as to the modifications which the latter has in mind and has been informed the Turkish Government should make the suggestions. To this the Turkish Government has informally replied that as it is the Soviet Government which desires the modifications it seems natural that the suggestions originate with the Soviet Government. Saka then remarked that this exchange of points of view would probably continue through the regular diplomatic channels up to the time of the San Francisco Conference when he looked forward to an opportunity of seeking the advice of the British and American Governments as to the future course to be pursued by the Turkish Government.
5.
The Turkish Government recognizes the great changes which have taken place since the treaty with the Soviets was entered into in 1925 and is prepared to negotiate a new treaty with the Soviets as well as to agree to reasonable modifications in the regime of the Straits.
6.
The Turkish Government will not be influenced by the “customary methods” of the Soviet Government, will cede no territory or bases to the Soviets and will employ its armed forces if necessary.

In discussing the possibility the Soviet Government might employ armed force if the Turkish Government should not prove amenable to its wishes, Saka expressed the view Soviet losses in the war against Germany have been so great that such large occupying forces would be required in Germany, Poland, Rumania and Bulgaria and that manpower in the reconstruction of Soviet cities, industries, railroads et cetera was so essential that it was most unlikely the Soviet Government would embark on any such venture entirely aside from a desire not to create an unfavorable impression throughout the world as the result of aggression. He also observed that the Soviet Government would doubtless wish to send large forces to the Far East either to participate in the war against Japan or to benefit from Japan’s defeat.

Sent to Department, repeated to Moscow as 22 and London as 24.

Steinhardt
  1. Mr. Steinhardt was leaving Turkey, having been appointed Ambassador to Czechoslovakia.