123 Wadsworth, George: Telegram

The Ambassador in Turkey (Wadsworth) to the Secretary of State

secret
priority

55. (1) On July 22, Turkish Foreign Office requested I call this morning on Secretary General Akdur. Same evening Foreign Minister told me subject would be Turkish reply to SYG Lie’s circular1 to 50 UN member nations urging that they consider offering effective assistance (including ground forces) to resist North Korean aggression.

(2) Foreign Minister explained Turkish Government wished its reply “bear witness to its sincere desire manifest by practical action its loyalty to UN and to Turk-US collaboration”. He added, “We wish particularly that our reply conform with US policy and public opinion”.

(3) My immediate reaction was that I should urge prompt despatch ground forces; but I refrained from so replying except in general appreciative terms pending consultation with General McBride.

(4) Yesterday after consultation with McBride and Senator Cain2 (who arrived from Athens) I decided to reply that in my personal view Turkish Government could best manifest its support of UN policies by prompt dispatch of fully equipped regimental combat team.

(5) General McBride described latter as consisting of infantry regiment, artillery battalion and appropriate headquarters, anti-tank, anti-aircraft, engineer, motor transport, signal, ordnance and medical units and “normal loads” of ammunition, spare parts, mines, wire, et cetera; i.e., a fully self-contained combat unit of between 4,000 and 4,500 officers and men approximately 10 percent above war strength.

(6) General McBride believes such a unit could be assembled for embarkation at a Turkish port within one month. If sent, it would after arrival have to be maintained by UN Commander. Its artillery, trucks and general services equipment would conform to US standards. Small arms, however, none of which have been given under our military aid program, would presumably have to be supplied from US stocks in Far East. Ocean transport could presumably be supplied from shipping placed at UN disposal by other member nations.

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(7) McBride recommends also that, if such a unit be sent, it be accompanied, or joined in Korea, by 2 or more US military (officer liaison) personnel who have served in Turkey with TUSAG.

(8) This morning I presented this “strictly personal suggestion” to Secretary General. He welcomed it warmly as such. We were in agreement that by such action Turkey could best show, in Foreign Minister’s words, its loyalty to UN and Turk-US collaboration and at same time best serve its own interests. There was no doubt in my mind that he sensed his country on verge its most important post-war decision or that he was wholly sincere in adding “I trust this decision will be taken promptly by Cabinet and will render even more effective our collaboration in political as well as military fields”.

(9) This afternoon Senator Cain, General McBride and I had prearranged conference with Defense Minister, Chief of Staff and Commanding General Turkish ground forces. Foreign Minister joined us. Discussion naturally turned to foregoing subject. Foreign Minister said, “Personally I am wholeheartedly in favor sending ground forces promptly and will present your suggestion to Cabinet at earliest opportunity, if possible tomorrow”. Defense Minister said, “I share my colleague’s view”. Chief of Staff was clearly wholly favorably disposed. G–3 general staff wrote him informal memorandum,3 “It will be greatest crime in Turkish history if we fail take advantage this, opportunity”.

(10) This evening at dinner in honor Senator Cain, Foreign Minister told me he had telephoned President Bayar, Prime Minister and 3 other Ministers due return Ankara tomorrow from Bairam holidays to arrange Cabinet meeting that afternoon. He said he hoped sincerely and believed favorable decision could then be taken. If so, he would at once telegraph SYG Lie and instruct Turkish Embassy Washington to inform Department.

(11) Tomorrow I am accompanying Senator Cain to Istanbul whence he will fly Frankfort. He has been most helpful in expounding American sentiment and policy as given him by General Bradley before leaving Washington fortnight ago.

I should much appreciate receiving Department’s early comment.

Wadsworth
  1. Cablegram of July 14 from U.N. Secretary-General Trygve H. Lie (U.N. doc. S/1619).
  2. Senator Harry P. Cain, of Washington, visited Turkey from July 23 to 26, to observe the military aid program. He called on the Ministers of National Defense and Foreign Affairs, as well as officers connected with the aid program. (Despatch 50, July 27, from Ankara, not printed; 782.00/7–2750)
  3. Memorandum, date unavailable, by Maj. Gen. Yusuf A. Egeli to Gen. Nuri Yamut, not found in Department of State files.