811.002/1–247
Minutes of a Meeting of the Secretaries of State, War, and Navy, March 12, 1947, 10:30 a. m.
top secret
| Present | State |
| Acting Secretary Acheson | |
| Asst. Secretary Hilldring | |
| Mr. Henderson | |
| Mr. Gange | |
| Mr. Moseley (SWNCC), Recorder | |
| War | |
| Secretary Patterson | |
| Asst. Secretary Petersen | |
| Navy | |
| Secretary Forrestal | |
| Captain Tichenor | |
| Rear Admiral Wooldridge |
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II. Aid to Turkey
implementing action
With a view to probable inquiries on the exact nature of the proposed aid to Turkey, Secretaries Patterson and Forrestal to consult with their staffs to obtain more detailed data on appropriate assistance to be given to Turkey.
discussion
Mr. Acheson said that difficulties were being encountered in drafting appropriate legislation for aid to Turkey inasmuch as it had not yet been determined to what extent and to what degree Turkey needs economic and military assistance. He added that it would undoubtedly be necessary to justify the proposed Turkish loan of 150 million before Congressional Committees, and inquiries of a specific nature could be anticipated.
Mr. Patterson said that he believed that only economic assistance should be given to Turkey rather than military aid. Mr. Acheson pointed out that Presidential approval had been given to furnishing both economic and military assistance to Turkey. Mr. Patterson said that of course he would support an approved program but that he was of the opinion that emphasis should be placed on economic aid to that country.
Mr. Henderson described the economic difficulties of the Turks, pointing out that the British were withdrawing support and that Turkey obtained only 25 million from the Export-Import Bank on a request for a 250 million reconstruction loan. With respect to military aid, he said that the data of the British Joint Staff Mission was of little value in determining the exact military needs of Turkey, but that it was the State Department’s view that military assistance should be in the nature of long-term assistance.
[Page 110]Mr. Acheson stated that Turkey has been obliged to keep its army fully mobilized and that this has placed a great strain on her Treasury. He said that we should seek means to make her armed forces smaller but yet effective. Mr. Forrestal said that Turkey’s naval arm might be strengthened by giving her some destroyers and naval air aid.
Mr. Petersen stated that with respect to Congressional inquiries on the nature of assistance to Turkey, he believed that it would be best to be frank and state that a survey is necessary before specific types of aid are outlined. Mr. Forrestal said that Congress should be told that the 150 million represents an estimated figure and that a military and economic mission should be sent to Turkey to report on exact needs. Mr. Acheson pointed out that he needed as much specific data as possible on planned assistance to Turkey in order to draft appropriate legislation and meet inquires of all types. Mr. Patterson and Mr. Forrestal said that they would consult with their staffs immediately on this problem.
Mr. Forrestal added that steps should be taken to acquaint the public with the significance of the proposed aid to Turkey.
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