867.24/236: Telegram
The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Matthews) to the Secretary of State
London, March 24,
1942—midnight.
[Received March 24—11:50
p.m.]
1415. For Hopkins, Acheson and Stettinius from Harriman. A few days ago
Eden20 discussed with me procedure for
submission of requirements for Turkey and showed me two cables of March
10 to Halifax which crossed your No. 1000 of March 9 to me. I presume
you have been informed of the contents of these cables.
Eden now writes me expressing the hope that Washington will accept the
suggested procedure. The cornerstone is the establishment of an Ankara
coordinating committee through which all Turkish requests would be
received, this committee to include both British and American
representatives.
Eden’s letter enumerates the following advantages of this procedure:
- “(1) Although joint consultation between ourselves and the
United States authorities in Washington about Turkish
requirements can achieve something, it has been shown to be
quite impossible to reach proper decisions without obtaining
expert advice from those on the spot in Turkey. It is quite
possible to take decisions in London or Washington on such
major questions as whether we can spare tanks
[Page 689]
for Turkey, but
most Turkish requirements are for items like boring rigs,
constructional steel, copper wire, et cetera, the purpose
and significance of which can only be ascertained in Turkey.
It seems to us, therefore, that the first essential is to be
certain that all Turkish requirements whether for supply in
the United Kingdom or the United States are submitted to the
coordinating committee in Angora.
- (2) It seems to us that the suggested procedure is the
only one which will avoid duplication of demands and similar
confusion, of which we have had experience in the past when
we and the French were supplying Turkey as part of a joint
policy.
- (3) It further seems to us that the arrangements for the
assignment of munitions and allocations of raw materials can
only work smoothly if the requirements of the various allied
countries are presented through one single channel.”
I am impressed with the soundness of the general plan proposed,
particularly the Ankara committee and hope that you will find it
possible to work some procedure out along these lines. I would
appreciate being advised of your decision. [Harriman.]
