Records of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, 092.2 North Atlantic Treaty
Memorandum by the Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in Europe (Eisenhower)1
Responding to your request, I present my general view regarding the possibility of including Turkey as a part of my command.
From the standpoint of the reputation of the Turks as excellent fighting men, any commander would be delighted to have them in his organization. Moreover, Turkey’s demonstrated determination to [Page 593] oppose Communistic aggression clearly makes her a valuable addition to the NAT Organization. Beyond this, Turkish strength is of great significance to the accomplishment of the task presently assigned to me, which is the defense of Western Europe, from Norway to Italy. The southern flank of this front will, of course, be directly affected by developments in Eastern Europe and Turkey, which region not only dominates the land routes to the Middle East, but safeguards the eastern approaches to the Mediterranean. But in considering the question of military organization and command, we are forced to consider the hard facts of geography and distance.
Despite the important contribution Turkey can make to the defense of my southern flank, I consider it militarily impracticable to watch over the interests and development of the Turkish armed forces from SHAPE, and to control operations from this headquarters. I, therefore, believe that it would be in the best interests of NATO and of Turkey itself if Turkey should be included in the Middle East Command. On the other hand, it is obviously essential that close liaison be established between Middle East Command and SHAPE. I shall always stand ready to give such assistance to the Middle East Command as the exigencies of the situation require.
- Addressed to General Juin, Field Marshal Slim, and General Bradley.↩