Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1946-08-14
Turkey
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mands for hand in direct control
of the Dardanelles.
The British, Ala said, have
brought in mechanical Indian
troops at Basra, Iraq, on the Iranian
border near British-operated oil
fields and this, he declared, has
created a serious situation involv-
ing Britain. Iraq and Iran.
There are also reports current
In diplomatic quarters here, Ala said
that the Russians have concentrated
some forces around their Black Sea
port Of ODESSA. but again he de-
clared he had no indications Of the
purpose for which such military
strength might be assembled
U. S. Expected to Oppose Reds.
Meanwhile. the United States ap-
peared likely to oppose strongly a
Russian plan for revolutionizing
control Of the Dardanelles SO that
the strategic passage between the
Black Sea and the Mediterranean
would become a Soviet-dominated
waterway.
The Russian government sent a
note proposing the change to Tur-
key and to the United States and
Britain few days ago, officials here
left little doubt that this country
would stand firm on policy laid
down by Secretary of State Byrnes
last November which would bar the
Soviet Union from establishing mill
tary bases In the straits on what
is now Turkish territory.
Diplomats expect that the con-
troversy thus beginning over con-
troll of the Dardanelles-a longtime
objective of Russian foreign policy
will 60 on for months and prove
another serious issue between the
Western powers and the government
at Moscow.
At news conference yesterday
Acting Secretary of State Acheson
took up the Dardanelles question
briefly. He said 1t Is one between
the Russian and Turkish govern
ments in its present phase and
that he would get in hot water If
he said that the United States had
or had not been informed.
Russian Note Dated August Z.
However, from other sources 1t
was learned that this Government
almost certainly will stand firm
with Turkey in opposing any Rus
G. InYonr1Ic ru1ainH II 4
excessive.
The Russian note which reached
Washington was dated August 7
two days before the expiration of
the period fixed for demanding
changes in the Montreux Conven-
ton, which now governs the straits.
This treaty, with certain restric-
lions, gives Turkey general con-
troll Of the important waterway,
which has always been close to
Britain, is standing astride their
best sea passage to the outside
world.
The issue has come up in various
big power conferences, particularly
oS tAAC oiS IAACE lIlCSbAl6 az IOCS-
dam year ago. At that time Pres
ident Truman, Prime Minister Att
lee and Prime Minister Stain de-
cided that each Of their govern
ments would separately propose to
Turkey changes in the status Of the
Dardanelles. Secretary Byrnes re-
vealed last November that the
United States favored a revision
guaranteeing passage through the
straits at all times to Russia, but
it was made clear that this gov
eminent die not favor any kind of
Russian fortification on the straits.
Two-Thirds Must Approve.
The Russian note, on the other
hand, suggests that Turkey and the
Soviet Union should jointly under
take the defense of the straits,
which Is interpreted here as mean
ing Russian bases would be placed
in that area.
The Montreaux Convention pro-
vides that any change affecting the
military use Of the waterway must
be approved by two-thirds of the
nine signers Of the pact, including