High-level UK diplomats have discussed lifting the visa regime for nearly 1.5 million Turks, as a “symbolic gesture” necessary to incentivize Ankara on the controversial EU-Turkey migrant deal, according to leaked British embassies’ cables.

The diplomats advised visa liberalization to prevent Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan from derailing the landmark EU-Turkey migrant deal, according to five leaked diplomatic cables seen by The Sunday Times exclusively.

In a telegram to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), Janet Douglas, the deputy head of mission in Ankara wrote: “Should [EU] visa liberalization be granted, we will need to develop our own lines on the UK’s stance to visa-free travel for Turks.”

Read more: rt.com