361. Telegram From the Embassy in Turkey to the Department of State0
2477. Foreign Minister Zorlu called for me at 1645 May 5. We talked alone for 45 minutes. It was not quite clear why he had called me (I had just attended his lunch for visiting NATO group). However, we discussed present situation. I gathered following:
- 1.
- All Turkey is quiet.
- 2.
- General Inonu is beginning be worried by course events. He had expected tremendous public support for the student demonstrations. The masses did not rally round. Turk people are beginning sense that demonstrations and disorder time NATO Conference are causing loss foreign respect for Turkey. They are seeing matters clearly and more unfavorably [Page 837] for General Inonu and his friends. Inonu is intelligent old soldier with life-time experience. He has always followed course arousing others, allowing their arousement run its course and, if move turns out well, he claims credit or, if it turns out badly, he denies any connection. His method of incitement students was say in GNA he would not revolt but others would do so. The General is loyal Turk but some of his men like Coskun (Kirca) and his son-in-law Metin Toker are unprincipled. Zorlu stressed that addressing press he had refrained charging Inonu unprincipled or disloyal. Turk public, he said, would have reacted badly any such statement just as they are reacting unfavorably Inonu’s exaggerated assertions. On other hand, he mentioned Prime Minister’s having difficulty restraining forceful speech from certain DP Deputies who are displeased with Inonu’s words and actions.
- 3.
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There are some 50 foreign newspapermen in Turkey now. Today they are in Golcuk. They want see Inonu. Probably they will come Ankara interview him. They will, of course, be able do so. However, Zorlu does not believe their doing so will contribute peace and calm here and will increase unfavorable press abroad for GOT. He wondered whether there was anything Embassy Press Section could do dissuade American pressmen from seeing Inonu. I said I could understand effect which such an interview by foreign correspondents might have, but that I was sure any effort our part in that direction would result some such reaction as this: “Mr. Ambassador, we members of American press do not need any suggestions from you on how to do our job.” (Zorlu also told press in Istanbul Sunday they could see Inonu.) I asked whether Inonu might travel Golcuk meet pressmen if group does not come Ankara. He considered moment and responded he thought not. I agreed. Thought was that unless press group comes Ankara, Inonu probably will not see them.
I then said there was one thing which if done could balance scales. He asked me what it was. I said that if Prime Minister would see press group following talk with Inonu, he would have opportunity present fully and fairly government’s position on all that opposition is pouring into ears foreign and domestic press. I pointed out that American correspondents have no trouble in getting opposition viewpoint but greatest trouble in getting top GOT reaction. Zorlu said he understood but reminded me that he had held recent press conference in Istanbul. I replied I understood that but in all respect I should say talking to him was not same as talking with Prime Minister. Then he smiled and said I know this and I have explained it. I knew he meant he had explained it to Prime Minister. Evidently Prime Minister had not agreed with Zorlu’s suggestion.
- 4.
- I told Zorlu I appreciated his calling, discussing this matter and that I wanted to say one thing: My endeavor and endeavor entire Embassy during this present difficulty is, that Americans do not become involved this controversy. We must remain apart. I did not believe Americans want become involved. We remind them that we are in foreign country and these political matters are not our business. I believe we could walk narrow path we have selected for ourselves. However, if someone got off path, I wanted him know what our endeavor is. He nodded his head in approval and thanked me. I finished my thought on this subject by saying I wanted him know that whatever Embassy did or said present controversy, it would always be in interest of peace and calm Turkey.
- 5.
- The conversation touched on part played recent events by Turkish Army and General Erdelhun (see ARMA telegram May 4).1 I said GOT, Turkish people, USA as Turkish ally, and entire West could be thankful for excellent work done by Turkish Army and General Erdelhun. I made clear that without Erdelhun we might have had an entirely different and most unfavorable situation existing today. He agreed.
- 6.
- At several points in conversation, we talked about Kasim Gulek. Zorlu feels Gulek is spreading information about Turkish situation which not accurate and does not contribute to peace and calm. I was able say in sincerity that I had recently seen Gulek at parties, not in Embassy, and that he had not criticized GOT. I added my feeling today Gulek is not well-informed what taking place highest RPP councils. Zorlu agreed and said that for sometime Gulek has been in conflict with Inonu and has not shared his confidence. He implied Inonu had decided sacrifice Gulek long before Gulek was actually separated his post RPP Secretary General.
- 7.
- Zorlu referred lunch with Bayar which Secretary Herter had May 4 aboard Presidential yacht.2 Evidently Bayar and Zorlu felt reassurances re Secretary’s understanding present situation in Turkey.
- 8.
- We also referred my departure NATO Conference May 2 and return Ankara. We mentioned attention which Istanbul press had given this unimportant move. Zorlu said this only illustrates readiness domestic press build up something of interest regardless whether it is based on fact. He knew I had not returned Ankara see Prime Minister as press said. This gave me opportunity say I would want see Prime Minister soon as enough time had elapsed discourage press from connecting my visit with my departure NATO Conference.
- 9.
- I requested Foreign Minister call me any time he might want me during present controversy.