Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume XXIX, Eastern Europe; Eastern Mediterranean, 1969–1972

433. Telegram From the Embassy in Turkey to the Department of State¹

Ankara, July 18, 1970, 1110Z.

4533. Subject: Narcotics. Reference: Ankara 4427.²

1. Prior to his departure Friday, Ambassador had intensive discussions Thursday with principal Turkish officials concerned with present and future production of opium in Turkey. This included late evening session between Ambassador and Foreign Minister, with Eralp and Esenbel present on their side and DCM accompanying Ambassador. Discussions were detailed, very frank, and at times heated. Foreign Minister was well briefed on situation, including use of maps. Meeting, which lasted one and half hours was in private quarters of Foreign Ministerʼs official residence. Earlier in day, Ambassador had two-hour session with Prime Ministerʼs assistants Ozansoy and Fer on subject. All conversations were held against background of Ambassadorʼs being recalled to Washington for consultation on subject,³ and preceded by Ambassadorʼs exposition of problem as presented by Assistant Secretary Sisco to Esenbel (State 106419).⁴

2. Discussions indicated that Turks deeply aware of importance subject to US. Esenbel, who had lunch with Ambassador Thursday, told him that he had had long discussions with Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Monday night on subject.

3. It clear that GOT feels that it is now running into heavy weather on subject, both with US and in terms domestic politics, and that, with full understanding of importance to US, it not in position to eliminate production opium in foreseeable future. GOT is, however, making major effort (a) to buy up this yearʼs entire crop and (b) to enact legislation on licensing (copy of bill was given to Ambassador Thursday and now being translated). Major element that concerned them is that members their own party, as well as opposition, now seizing on issue of US interference in local and internal Turkish matter as reported septels.⁵

4. Conclusion we reached as result these discussions is that fine print in current existing legislation, which requires GOT to give one yearʼs notice in advance to opium cultivators before restrictions on plantings can be made in their provinces, made it impossible for GOT to go beyond seven provinces this year, since last yearʼs announcement stipulated that cultivation would continue in seven provinces for planting in fall of 1970.

5. Critical issue will be collection this year, enactment of legislation, and GOT decision as to what it will announce one year from now regarding future plantings. Yesterdayʼs discussion gave us indication that GOT believes it can comply with 1961 Single Convention, assuming present law on licensing passes Parliament this year, and that area which it might consider for opium cultivation to be announced before June 30, 1971 will be limited to Afyon and Isparta. Their view is that with licensing, with controls, and with good record of farmers in these areas selling their opium crops to government, and not to black marketeers, Turkey could be in position to restrict opium sales entirely to legal purchasers.

Cuthell

1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 633, Country Files—Middle East, Turkey, Vol. II 1 Jan 1970–31 Dec 1971. Confidential; Priority; Exdis.
2. Dated July 15, it reported that the Ambassador and Caglayangil had agreed to meet to discuss the narcotics issue. (Ibid., RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, SOC 11–5 TUR)
3. In telegram 108983 to Ankara, July 9, the Department informed Handley: “The President has expressed his strong disappointment in progress made to suppress illicit drug traffic and has made clear that notwithstanding the defense and political components of the problem, he places the highest priority on this issue. Accordingly, you should inform the GOT that because of grave concern over problem you have been asked to return for consultation.” (Ibid., Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 633, Country Files, Middle East, Turkey, Vol. II 1 Jan 1970–31 Dec 1971.)
4. Dated July 3, it reported on Siscoʼs July 2 discussions with Esenbel regarding narcotics issues. (Ibid., RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, SOC 11–5 TUR)
5. Not further identified.