811.248/633: Telegram
The Ambassador in Turkey (Steinhardt) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 11—1:29 a.m.]
724. Department’s 325, July 8, 8 p.m. There has been no change in status of negotiations regarding American bombers and crews interned in Turkey since my 663, June 25, other than a remark made to me by Numan Bey a few days ago in response to my most recent inquiry on the subject. He replied, “The legal aspects of the matter are being studied in an endeavor to arrive at a solution satisfactory to you and to us.”
As Department is aware Turk Government is influenced more by developments on Egyptian front than by those on any other front as position of Turkey would be seriously compromised by an Axis break-through toward its southern boundary. Thus the changing fortunes of campaign in North Africa is immediately reflected in general attitude of Turk Government in its dealings with belligerents. Recent British reverses in Egypt have tended to make Turk Government extremely cautious in taking any action which would not be in strict conformity with rules of international law or which might give offense to Axis. For this reason the past 2 weeks have not been propitious to press for a solution of the matter which might not be strictly in accordance with rules governing internment. It must also be borne in mind that Axis planes and aviators have been interned in Turkey for quite some time.
Sudden death of Prime Minister with resultant changes in Government has inevitably delayed a consideration of this matter by Turk authorities particularly as any decision will have to be approved by the highest authorities. In view of changes in Government it will probably be at least a week before higher officials will be able to give further consideration to this matter.
At best Turk authorities will move slowly and deliberately in arriving at a decision which does not strictly conform to international law and which might in consequence cause Axis resentment or provoke Axis demands.