Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1944, General, Volume I

740.00116 EW/10–544

Memorandum of Conversation, by the Director of the Office of Near Eastern and African Affairs (Murray)

[Washington,] October 5, 1944.

During a call from the Turkish Ambassador⁶² on October 5 he mentioned Mr. Hull’s statement of September 28th on war criminals and pointed out that this statement contained a paragraph to the effect that:

“No representations were made to the Turkish Government in view of its recent rupture of relations with Germany. The Turkish Government, nevertheless, announced on Sept. 8 that Turkish frontiers authorities had been instructed not to permit Axis nationals, either civil or military, to enter Turkey by land or by sea.”

The Ambassador said that in spite of the facts of the case as set forth in Mr. Hull’s statement the stories printed in the American press and cabled to Turkey had stated or implied that Turkey received the same communication on this subject as had been sent to Sweden, Switzerland and Spain, all of which are neutral countries. The Ambassador added that since his Government had severed relations with Germany and was not in the same category as Sweden, Switzerland and Spain, his Government was naturally annoyed that the American press stories on this subject had misstated Turkey’s position and the facts with regard to Mr. Hull’s note.

I told the Ambassador I would be glad to look into this matter, and in doing so spoke to Mr. Hulen of the New York Times whose story, published in the issue of September 29, 1944, appeared to warrant the complaint made to me on the above subject by the Turkish Ambassador. Mr. Hulen seemed willing to admit that his story at least implied that Turkey was to be regarded as coming in the same category as Sweden, Switzerland and Spain, all neutral countries, and said he would be glad to do anything possible to clear up the misunderstanding.

I inquired of Mr. Hulen in this connection whether any New York Times representative was in Turkey or in a neighboring country who might undertake to convey direct to Turkish press officials the regrets of the New York Times for having conveyed an erroneous impression with regard to Turkey’s status. Mr. Hulen said he would look into the matter and would do whatever might be possible to remove any resentment that the Turks might feel over the way this story was handled.

62. Mehmet Münír Ertegün.