The Foreign Office describes Turkey's position as exceptionally delicate and complex rather than as a simple question of choosing a wartime camp. Its assessment begins with Turco-Soviet relations and their effect on Britain's own relationship with the Soviet Union. It also notes that the growing Turkish-American connection lay outside Harold Macmillan's ministerial sphere. London claimed a unique advantage because only there could officials see all these relationships together. Policy toward this strategically placed neutral state crossed several diplomatic portfolios at once.
Notable Point · 2:02-2:24
The Foreign Office's interlocking Turkey problem
A Foreign Office assessment treats Turkey as a linked Soviet, British, and American diplomatic problem whose complete wartime picture could be assembled only in London.