767.68119 T&M 3/16: Telegram
The Special Mission at Lausanne to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:20 p.m.]
184. Your no. 75, January 6, 10 a.m. The American delegation has received no evidence that Ismet or any other Turkish delegate privately is in sympathy with the proposal for an Armenian national home. The views which the Allied delegates privately express also give no indication of an opinion that any concrete plan can be formulated which will be wise even from the standpoint of the best interests of the Armenians. The establishment of small, segregated areas, autonomous or otherwise, is not looked upon with favor … We think it is the opinion of all the Turkish delegates that such Armenians as are left in Turkey will be useful where they are and that they will also be safe and contented if not subject to foreign intrigue. We believe the Turks would absolutely reject any plan inducing Armenians to return to Asia Minor, even though it did not involve loss of territory or sovereignty. We have held the conversations suggested in your telegram under reference but there is no question upon which the Turkish delegates are more unyielding.