782.022/12–2250: Telegram
The Chargé in the Soviet Union (Barbour) to the Secretary of State
1227. Deptel 427, December 20. Believe Soviets would at least react loudly to proposed mining of Turkish straits, and while extent of any actual Soviet countermoves would probably not be predicated this action alone, mining would be capitalized on to intensify current war of nerves against Turkey. In view sinister reputation mine in general, we doubt that technical justification under Montreux convention on basis their harmlessness, etc., would be sufficient to counteract public effect Soviet protests against their presence.
In circumstances we doubt wisdom this project and are opposed to it unless it can be shown to be vital for defense and there is no feasible alternative such as stockpiling the mines in a position to be laid expeditiously in the event of hostilities.