767.68119 T&M/27: Telegram
The Special Mission at Lausanne to the Secretary of State
[Received December 24—7:09 a.m.]
146. Your 59, December 21, 5 p.m. …
Replying to the Department’s inquiry as to why the Turks object to guarantees for Turkey, it is our opinion, based upon informal conversations, that their objection is to the plan to place the enforcement of the guarantees in the hands of the League of Nations. Such a guarantee the Turks consider feeble. Our understanding is that what the Turks want is to have the signatory powers make direct and positive guarantees of neutrality. The Allies and Turks are now discussing the whole subject of the Straits in private conferences. At present the atmosphere appears favorable for a settlement. We will try to keep informed regarding the situation.