366. Editorial Note
The military coup in Turkey was discussed during the 446th Meeting of the National Security Council on May 31, by Robert Amory of the CIA:
“Mr. Amory reported that the coup d’etat in Turkey had been planned for several months in the Istanbul War College, but had not moved very fast until May 21. The moving forces behind the change in government were young officers who brought senior officers in only at the last moment. The young officers were motivated by antagonism toward Menderes’ suppression of the opposition, sympathy to Inonu, and by distaste for corruption in the Menderes’ government. Inonu was not an active participant in the plot, though he may have been consulted. Members of the former government now under arrest may be tried, but [Page 849] there will probably be no blood bath in Turkey. No significant opposition to the present government has appeared, but the Kurds may attempt to capitalize on the current confusion. The new government consists of fifteen civilians and three officers, including General Gursel, who has had a strictly military career. Mr. Amory believed that the new government was sincere in declaring that it would turn power over to an elected government as soon as elections could be held. Our Embassy believes the new Turkish government to be a sound, well-balanced and capable one. The new government intends to revise the Turkish Constitution, incorporating some features from the U.S. Constitution. Mr. Amory believed that Turkey would remain loyal to her alliances.”
Allen Dulles reported on the situation in Turkey to the 447th Meeting of the National Security Council on June 8:
“Turning to Turkey, Mr. Dulles reported that the new regime was now less sure of itself and may be facing a period of instability. The situation in Turkey is characterized by growing resentment on the part of senior military officers against the committee which is in control and which consists largely of junior officers. The government is under considerable pressure from vengeful elements who are demanding severe measures against the officials of the old regime. Turkey has indicated that it intends to replace its brigade of 5000 men in Korea with a token force because its troops are needed at home for internal security purpose. Moscow is encouraging the new Turkish regime to improve Turkish relations with the USSR. Apparently the Soviets have just invited General Gursel to visit Moscow. Soviet propaganda toward Turkey is a mixture of cautious approval of the new regime and attacks on the stated Turkish intention to maintain its alliance with the West. The Turkish Foreign Minister, Sarper, has asked us to issue a statement of solidarity with Turkey in order to offset Soviet propaganda.”
Memoranda of discussion at these meetings are in Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, NSC Records.