320/8–1353: Telegram
The Chargé in Turkey (Rountree) to the Department of State
189. I conveyed substance Deptel 162, August 10 to Secretary General Acikalin, who said matter already under consideration Foreign Office as result communication from Sarper. He outlined Foreign Office thinking upon matter and subsequently last evening confirmed instructions along following lines being sent to Sarper:
Turkish Government for same reasons set forth by Department, anxious prevent election of satellite and would be willing for Turkey to become candidate, provided, however, it felt that success is assured. Turks have only recently retired from SC’s seat, and new candidacy this early might present special difficulties in obtaining wide support. Turks believe that announcement by themselves of their candidacy and failure to become elected would be embarrrassing to Turkish Government, and adversely affect national prestige. However, if preliminary inquires by Turks, working in conjunction with US, indicate success reasonably assured, Turkish Government would be prepared to run.
Re last portion penultimate paragraph reference telegram, Department will note Turkish position predicated upon strong US support both before and after candidacy announced. Embassy unable judge extent to which we can go in meeting Turkish position without staking US prestige on Turkish election.