365. Telegram From the Embassy in Turkey to the Department of State0
2775. Reference Embassy telegram 2772.1 Sarper and I went in my car to General Gursel’s office in General Staff Building. He received us alone. I had seen him before but never had known him well. If one could remove Turkish features and forget certain haughtiness characteristic of German military, he might well be German. He spoke slowly, reasonably and with evident careful consideration. His reception was cordial and all that one could expect under circumstances. Sarper acted as interpreter.
General opened conversation and said he was pleased that I had come for informal talk. He explained briefly what had happened yesterday. He added that he felt that in view of course which Menderes Government was following he had no other choice after he had earlier tried influence Menderes Government but to lead movement which succeeded in overthrowing regime. He asked me in so many words what I thought of what I had seen. I commenced by referring to my service in Latin America and many coups which I had seen there. I said that if I were a military man and forgot purpose of movement, I would be pleased and proud of way it had gone off. It was by far most precise, most efficient and most rapid coup d’etat I had ever witnessed. I did not mention to him what I had said to Sarper with regard to Ankara military actions which displeased me. (I had told Sarper before we left his office that I would not bring this up.) I said I believe, from information available to us that revolutionary movement had complete control of entire country. Gursel nodded his head. I said furthermore as best I could judge people in Ankara were happy with result. I went on say I thought easiest part of job had been done, that from now on he would be heading into real difficulties. I did not mention recognition as I had agreed with Sarper beforehand. (I think Sarper told Gursel in Turkish before we started conversation that I would not mention recognition.) I said his difficulties would be many and would in many cases involve both Turkey and US and perhaps West. I wanted him know I foresaw these difficulties and that Washington had not sent me out here to cause difficulty, rather to try to find solution for them whenever they might arise and [Page 846] that during trying months ahead my attitude would be try help his endeavors, junta and succeeding government meet problems. He thanked me.
Gursel then began longer explanation why revolutionary junta led by him had done what it did. It had felt Menderes Government had forgotten about rights of individual, freedom of press, constitutionality of its acts and in fact had embarked upon series of legislative acts (he never said those acts were unconstitutional) which had for their purposes further repression of people of Turkey. He said we in army were hurt, distressed, deeply concerned about course and goal toward which Menderes Government headed. I (General is great on use of “I”) tried, he stated, persuade Menderes Government follow different course action but I failed. Finally, I concluded only thing left was course which we revolutionaries followed.
Again I thanked him for speaking frankly and to point. I said I believed I understood what had been thinking of military and I wanted to tell him something in that connection but, before making this statement, I must say certain other things. He nodded his head. I said I started my work out here with idea that it was relationship between Turk people and American people that was important. I felt Turkey had an importance to USA and free world difficult to overstate. It was equally important to Turkey maintain that relationship. Furthermore, I could not but have utmost respect for Turk military because of my association with American military here in Turkey. One big reason why Turkey was important to free world, particularly to US, was its stability and the Turk army tradition of not intervening in political affairs. By its coup yesterday Turkish military had broken with that tradition. It had opened Pandora’s box. No one could foresee what would come out. I felt this morning that neither military nor people of Turkey had any conception of long-range importance of what had been done yesterday morning. This brought me to statement I wanted make: I have served many years in Latin America. I have seen many coups d’etat. I know how over years Latin American nations have developed in addition to legislative, judicial, and executive divisions of government, a fourth division—that of military. I said military in Latin America sits alongside and above other three government divisions. When military reached decision that things are not going right in average Latin American country, it moves in: There is coup d’etat; military carries on; and, ultimately way is found back to civil administration. This, I said, meant that army was balance wheel, or last court of resort in Latin American country. Since Ataturk Turkey had never been in that position and had prided herself in not being there. Now she was in exactly that position. I felt in future military would find it exceedingly difficult not to become involved any divisive political controversy that might involve Turk people. This idea worried [Page 847] me more than coup itself. When Sarper had interpreted this, Gursel nodded his head and said go ahead. I continued I could not foresee what effect this Turk military action would have in US, Great Britain and rest Western world. Perhaps, I added, realization of effect what occurred yesterday will not become apparent for months but I feared effect on American Congress when it votes funds for use in Turkey will not be good. The military by its coup has removed one of Turkey’s principal qualifications for our present free world grouping. I meant, of course, its reputation as stable people.
At this point I mentioned there was, however, one important source support for military junta in present situation, namely, the American, British and other foreign press had so disapproved Menderes government, and fought it so long, that without doubt press had put most favorable interpretation on what had taken place in Turkey. This would be true at least in initial stages work of junta and its succeeding governments. Earlier in conversation Gursel had said in passing that there had been no mistreatment of President, Menderes, Cabinet or other high officials. I now noted his statement was very important and that it would create fine impression abroad for his junta if there were no mistreatment Menderes government officials. He said, “I assure you that there has been no mistreatment and there will be no mistreatment. I am going to supply each of them with seashore cottage with bath where he can reside in comfort (with his family if he desires) until matters are cleared up.” I next mentioned elections, saying I had nothing but admiration for bulletins broadcast by BBC and other radios stating purpose and interest of coup d’etat. They spoke of elections. It would further increase prestige of junta abroad if it moved quickly to a fair and honest election. He said that would be done, reassuring me in strongest terms. He went on say that first thing he had done yesterday when he reached Ankara from Izmir was call group of professors from University of Istanbul to draft new constitution (Sarper had already told me it would provide bicameral legislature and supreme court empowered pass on constitutionality of acts of legislature). He hoped professors would move quickly and new constitution be [garble]. He stated he would reveal tomorrow names Cabinet members new provisional government. (Both he and Sarper implied they do not consider present junta as government.) He has long considered that basic principle for Turks is close cooperation with USA. He ended that he likes Americans and acts that way.
Gursel then came to final subject his conversation. He said previous administration for which he not responsible left junta [country?] in awful financial mess. He had asked Under Secretary Finance how much money he needed on June 1. He replied he had 23 million lira available but needed 180 million lira to meet civil and other payrolls. Gursel said I [Page 848] need not tell you how important it is for new government meet that first payroll. He asked me whether it would be possible for US advance its usual payment in such way and in time help government meet its June 1 deadline.
I said “Sir, I think I fully realize how important it is for military junta or provisional government be able pay those first salary checks. I must tell you, however, that certain things remain to be cleared up before question of financial assistance can be considered. (I had in mind, of course, question of recognition.) However, I shall keep in mind what you have said and when moment arrives I will use information which you have given me”.2 General responded he understood and thanked me again. My final words to him were these: As I have said, I am here not create difficulties but to try help solve them. With your predecessors in government I was always available when needed. Any time when you want see me, I shall be available. I thank you again for bringing me here for this frank talk. General then said I thank you not only for coming but for giving me benefit your wise advice. You may be sure that what you have said will be kept in mind as we go along.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 782.00/5–2860. Secret; Priority; No Distribution Outside Department. Transmitted in three sections.↩
- Telegram 2772, May 28, reported on Warren’s talks with Selim Sarper, the new Foreign Minister. Sarper recounted his experiences during the military coup and Warren and he discussed the future course of Turkish foreign policy. (Ibid.)↩
- An advance in counterpart funds was made to the Turkish Government by the United States.↩