867.00/11–2648: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Turkey
588. You may reply to Balta’s1 approach along following lines (reurtel 839 Nov 262):
- 1.
- Current conversations re possible formation of “Atlantic Pact” are still exploratory. While there is general agreement such [Page 214] pact would be desirable US Govt has not yet reached definite decision to negotiate one and can reach decision only after consultation with US political leaders concerning proposals by Brussels Treaty countries.
- 2.
- US participation, if decided upon, will be based on policy stated in “Vandenberg Resolution” of June 11, 1948. This resolution provides for association of US with “regional groups affecting our national security and based on continuous and effective self-help and mutual aid”. Present discussions envisage possible US association with Brussels Pact countries, which obviously constitute compact regional group. One of first subjects we expect discuss with them is possible membership of other countries and relationship to countries which do not become members. It is very doubtful however that Turkey, which is neither in Western Europe nor on the Atlantic, could be considered to form geographically part of this regional group.
- 3.
- Steps being taken by US toward association for defense with nations outside Western Hemisphere constitute radical departure from past American peacetime policies. Consequently, US Govt feels obliged proceed with utmost care, making sure of its ground at every move. We consider it essential determine exactly how arrangement with Western European states can be worked out before endeavoring broaden base of such arrangement.
- 4.
- For these reasons, we would prefer that Turkey not press at this time for inclusion North Atlantic group.
- 5.
- Our interest in North Atlantic security in no way implies any lessening of interest in Turkish security and we are giving active study to best means of making this clear if and when a North Atlantic pact is concluded.
- 6.
- We do not consider that Turkey has any reason to complain of lack Amer interest and support. Continuing military aid program and repeated strong diplomatic support (latest example of which was President’s broadcast statement Oct 29) should be ample evidence that Turkey holds special place in US foreign policy.
If FonMin proposes formation Mediterranean pact as substitute for Turk entry into North Atlantic group, you should say we would not wish at this time either to encourage or discourage creation such pact. We have our hands full working out problems of North Atlantic grouping and simply cannot attempt consider other regional groupings until that is more clearly developed.
In summary, Turks should be patient but should not be discouraged. We will not overlook their importance or their security problems.
[Page 215]Brit Amb being similarly instructed. Coordinate your approach with his.3
Send Ankara 588; repeat London 4665.
- Tahsin Bekir Balta, Acting Turkish Foreign Minister.↩
- Not printed; it gave the substance of a note handed by Mr. Balta to Ambassador Wads worth setting forth Turkey’s desire to be included in the projected Atlantic pact (867.00/11–2648).↩
- In a memorandum of December 14 to Mr. Lovett, Mr. Satterthwaite stated that “The Greek Ambassador has recently approached the Department informally with regard to the possible inclusion of Mediterranean countries, such as Greece and Turkey, in the North Atlantic Pact. He was told that no serious consideration had been given to such a move and that it was doubtful that the United States Government would be prepared to consider any broadening of the base of the proposed arrangement at this early stage. He was also told that the United States was not prepared at this time to express an opinion on the desirability of forming an eastern Mediterranean bloc as a counterpart to the Western European group.” (840.20/12–1448). Mr. Jernegan’s conversation with the Greek Ambassador took place on December 1 (840.00/12–148).↩