782.5 MSP/6–554: Telegram
No. 489
The Secretary of
State to the Embassy in
Turkey
priority
1351. Five days discussions with Prime Minister and party all most friendly nature concluded afternoon of June 4 in meeting at which Governor Stassen formally gave Prime Minister US views and decisions resulting from Turkish presentation.1 Following is summary Aide-Mémoire presented Prime Minister, full text of which being pouched:2
US recognizes Turkey has assumed defense posture which places heavy strain upon its resources and which makes necessary substantial assistance from US and other free nations. US intends continue program of military assistance to Turkey based on meeting NATO force goals. Assuming Congressional approval global military assistance program and no critical emergencies which might make redistribution overall program subject to review, US prepared increase presently approved military assistance program “by an amount to meet one-fourth of unfunded US screened requirements Turkish armed forces to achieve NATO goals”. US also prepared accelerate deliveries from present pipeline approximately one-half billion dollars already funded and programmed for Turkey. In recognition fact Turk economy cannot yet support military establishment US has requested Congress for seventy million economic assistance FY 55. Although impossible US make commitments beyond present fiscal year will join with Turkey in continuing appraisal future needs and measures which may have to be taken by Turkey and US in attainment common objectives. In this connection some concern expressed at certain trends in Turkish [Page 950] economy which could if continued jeopardize sound economic conditions vital to success of investment and defense goals. Earnestly hoped the Turkish Government will be successful in applying measures which Prime Minister described as necessary to prevent any adverse development in current economic situation. End Summary.
FYI Based on US figures for achieving force goals increased military assistance program FY 55 will be approximately two hundred million instead of previously planned eighty-seven million. End FYI.