760J.67/12–2245: Telegram
The Ambassador in Turkey (Wilson) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 24—1:18 a.m.]
1605. Embtel 1593, Dec 19. It appears that in arrangements of Soviet Consulate General Istanbul to receive applications Armenians wishing go to Soviet Armenia only one person at time is admitted to Consulate General which results in long line forming in street before building. With feelings running high this offers obvious possibilities for street incidents and activities of agents provocateurs. In talking yesterday with FonMin I spoke of this and expressed hope adequate measures would be taken to avoid any incidents involving Armenians. Saka said Turk authorities were taking careful measures in this sense and he was confident there would be no trouble. He said Govt was preparing communiqué for press to effect those wishing to proceed to Armenia would be free to do so and giving information as to obtaining passports. He is informed some 1500 have applied at Soviet Consulate General so far, most of them “loafers” without any stake in Turkey and ready for any adventure.
Sent Dept as 1605, rptd Moscow 134.