Foreign Relations of the United States, 1950, The Near East, South Asia, and Africa, Volume V

782.022/8–3150: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Turkey

top secret

Washington, September 1, 1950—6 p. m.

122. Urtel 149.¹ Dept considers Turks must make own decision on minefield. While Dept was willing furnish legal opinion this question on purely informal basis US cannot take responsibility of urging Turks to lay minefield. Such urging might be construed by Turks as indication US alarm Soviet intentions. Furthermore if accident to shipping inadvertently resulted US by advising original laying of mines might be considered to share responsibility. Dept suggests you advise Ad Ginder,² in his capacity as technical adviser, point out to Turks delays involved in establishment of minefield. Suggest you avoid, however, giving impression US directly interested in influencing Turkish decision.

Acheson

1. August 31, supra.
2. The Ankara Embassy file copy of this paper bears the notation: “I have shown this message to both Adm. Ginder and Gen. Arnold; they will act accordingly, w[adsworth]. Sept. 19.” (Ankara Embassy files, lot 57F72, box 2, 322.2 Straits 1950–52)