THIS DOCUMENT IS THE PROPERTY OF HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT),
SECRET.
TO BE KEPT UNDER LOCK AND KEY.
C.0.S.(40)264.
19TH MARCH, 1940.
It is requested that special care may be taken to ensure the secrecy of this document.
WAR CABINET.
CHIEFS OF STAFF COMMITTEE.
COPY NO.
TURKEY: STAFF CONVERSATIONS.
Copy of a letter from the Foreign Office, dated 18th
March, 1940 to the Secretary.
R3228/542/44.7
328
X X X
In a recent letter to the Secretary of State, Hugessen referred to the question of Staff conversations with the Turks and said that he was sure that the present method of semi-official contacts was better than full dress Staff conversations. He pointed out that incidentally the Turks, having recollection of German treatment, are always, if even subconsciously, apt to react to the slightest hint of not being treated on an equal focting, and he went on to say: "For instance I do not think they quite like the recent suggestion from Cairo that the next bout of Staff conversations should begin on the 5th March in Angora. They felt that, if they were to be here (Angora), it was for the Turks to name the day and give the invitation. It is a small point, but the Marshal is not easy to deal with and has a way of retiring into his shell for days if he is not quite pleased".
2. I am quite sure that everyone is fully convinced of the necessity of respecting the Turks' rather peculiar sensitiveness, Nevertheless, it seems just worth while to pass on to you these remarks af Hugessen, In point of fact I gather the present out of Staff conversations are taking place at Aleppo,
Richmond Terrace, S.W.1,
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