538 Chapter 5
a curfew in Alexandretta after a series of incidents between Arabs and Turks during
voter registration. In response Turkey once again sent troops to the border. France
and Turkey entered negotiations within the League. They agreed to protections for
minorities, certain economic rights for Turkey, and autonomous governance institu-
tions in the Sanjak.
France and Turkey then signed a Treaty of Amity on July 4. However, Turkey
threatened war if France did not implement changes in the Sanjak electoral system.
The two reopened negotiations in December, and France granted the demands on
January 29, 1938.
Coding changes: Start Date changed from June 7, 1937. End Date changed from June
7, 1937. Outcome changed from Unclear. Settlement changed from None.
MID#3190
Dispute Number: 3190
Date(s): June 3, 1938 to July 3, 1938
Participants: 640 Turkey/220 France
Outcome (and Settlement): Compromise (Negotiated)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: This particular dispute arose when Turkey made additional demands of
the French regarding the Sanjak. On June 3, 1938, Turkey demanded a role in the
military control of the area. It also moved a division toward the border. Discussions
commenced the same day with the Turkish ambassador. France and Turkey made a
number of secret agreements during the course of the month, including (1) Turkish
occupation of the Sanjak in the event of an international war in exchange for free
passage through the Dardanelles for French and British warships, and (2) a British-
French-Turkish military alliance.
The issues separating France and Turkey were wrapped up by June 29 when the
Turkish prime minister, Mahmut Celal Bayar, announced to the Grand National
Assembly that the dispute was no longer critical. On July 2, French foreign minister
Bonnet and Turkish ambassador Davaz released a joint declaration that the “problem
of Alexandretta” was effectively solved.
Generals Huntziger of France and Gunduz of Turkey signed a military agree-
ment to allow Turkish troops in the Sanjak on July 3, and the next day France and
Turkey signed the Treaty of Friendship in Ankara. Turkey dropped its claim to the
Sanjak, and on July 5, Turkish troops entered the Sanjak.
Coding changes: End Date changed from June 28, 1938.
220 FRANCE/645 IRAQ
MID#3957
Started in May 1990. See the narrative in the 645 Iraq/690 Kuwait dyad dispute
list.