360. Editorial Note
A small anti-government protest took place outside NATO headquarters in Istanbul on May 2 at the beginning of the NAC Ministerial Meeting. The protest was quickly dispersed by Turkish security forces. On May 3, the Turkish Government relieved the Commander in Chief of Turkish Ground Forces, General Cemal Gursel, of his position.
Allen Dulles reported as follows to the National Security Council on the situation in Turkey at the 433d Meeting of the NSC on May 5:
“Mr. Dulles believed the situation in Turkey was becoming more normal, with the army firmly in control of public order. However, the leaders of the Republican People’s Party (Inonu’s Party) are apprehensive of the future to such an extent they have discussed asylum in the U.S. Embassy with U.S. representatives. It has been reported that the government party is split regarding the oppressive measures being carried out against Inonu’s party. One hundred thirty of the 409 representatives of the government party are said to be opposed to these repressive measures.” (Memorandum of discussion; Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, NSC Records)