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  Selected Secret Documents from Soviet Foreign Policy Documents Archives - 1919 to 1941

Concentrated on 1st and  2nd WW Correspondence and Meetings related to Turkey, Balkans and Iran, with some additions from Afghanistan and India.

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Recording of the conversation between the USSR plenipotentiary representative in Turkey and Turkish president Ataturk. June 1, 1937

June 1, 1937

The conversation began with a mutual exchange of pleasantries, which dragged on for quite some time. Then, when I said that the government instructed me to strengthen and develop our relationship, Ataturk replied that it was not a difficult task, since our relationship is excellent and that there is no misunderstanding between us. True, he added, recently there was a conversation about some misunderstandings and about known frictions between us, but he completely disagrees with this. There was nothing of the kind.

I said that he was putting me in a difficult position. I would not like to start our acquaintance with controversy, but, having come to such a friendly country like Turkey, I believe that the best method of my work will              be perfect frankness             and        directness            in            our         personal relationships. Therefore, I must, unfortunately, disagree with him and confirm that there were misunderstandings between us. We have brought our point of view on this issue to the attention of the Turkish government. Quite recently, comrade Litvinov had the opportunity to speak in detail on this topic with Ismet Inonu and to present to him all our considerations in this part.

Atatürk replied that he was thoroughly informed about the conversation between Inonu and comrade Litvinov and was very satisfied with it. He believes that we have explained and that the misunderstandings have been eliminated. Of course, he went on, in the best family there are some misunderstandings. However, this does not affect cohabitation. The most important thing is mutual understanding and mutual trust.

Seeing that Ataturk frowned, I decided not to pull the strings and said that the fact that the new Soviet ambassador at his very first meeting with the president of the republic could not confine himself to a protocol conversation, but speak with complete frankness, shows the strength of our relationship. If he spoke about trust, then I can say that

we know the head of the Turkish state and believe him.

Atatürk was clearly very pleased.

I added that from the telegram I received from comrade Litvinov, it is clear that he was also satisfied with his meeting with Inonu.

The further conversation was already proceeding very smoothly. We went through the most dangerous and delicate places. Atatürk assured me that cooperation with the USSR is the basis of Turkish foreign policy and that under no circumstances and at any price will Turkey refuse this cooperation. He said that he didn’t want to hide from me that meeting with me was very satisfying, that he really liked directness and frankness and that he considered this the only correct way of our relationship.

I thanked him and said that if there were any ambiguities or misunderstandings in the future, I would allow myself to address him directly as the supreme leader of all Turkish politics. Atatürk expressed full agreement and assured me of all support.

Plenipotentiary of the USSR in Turkey

M. Karsky