Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XVI, Eastern Europe; Cyprus; Greece; Turkey

371. Telegram From the Embassy in Turkey to the Department of State⁰

Ankara, October 24, 1961, 2 p.m.

525. Deptel 366.¹ In seeming contrast Tulga statement that acceptable four party coalition now impossible, question of nature of new civilian government still under negotiation in Ankara between military and political leaders according early morning reports. While we cannot rule out possibility of divisions within military, it seems likely Tulga generally reflects thinking top Ankara commanders but latter have not yet finally closed door to some acceptable resolution of issues between parties and military.

CNU made clear its position in light election results week ago (Embtel 502)² and has continued pursue this approach in discussions ever since. We believe their position basically in accord with top military. In addition desire see Cabinet not under former DP control, [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] military seeking agreement on following principles:

(1) Gursel to be President,

(2) No exploitation Yassiada verdict,

(3) No amnesty for political prisoners,

(4) Ataturk and CNU reforms to be supported, and

(5) CNU decisions on military retirements and reforms to be maintained.

Critical point has apparently been reached with impending opening GNA and military desire see satisfactory agreement prior that time but negotiations are still in process. Party leaders met with CNU and military commanders until early hours of morning lend [and?] [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] are back in session now with Gursel and Commanders. Until we know final decision it difficult tell just where we stand, but in light views attributed to Inonu in Embtel 519³ one cannot rule out possibility of modus vivendi which would bridge gap for period of time. Critical questions would then be whether party leaders could bring newly elected deputies along with them and whether commanders have full control of military.

As to its position we agree entirely with line set forth in reference telegram. At same time it important bear in mind that, failing agreement with political leaders, military likely take over on their terms aims become future government. [sic] Therefore any indication US views should be made with delicate touch so as not run risk needlessly exacerbating future relations. Tulga query in particular set forth in such terms that it does not lend itself to flat answer. Therefore reply should be in terms that US does desire stability and pro-Western orientation but we would hope these could be found within democratic traditions of Western world.⁴

Hare

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 782.00/10–2461. Secret; Niact. Repeated to Istanbul.
1. Telegram 366, September 24, informed the Embassy that Tulga had sought U.S. endorsement of a military takeover and instructed: “In reply any responsible Turk inquiry, you may if you consider it desirable, privately suggest that second Turk military takeover could have most damaging effect on Turkey’s international position.” (Ibid.)
2. Telegram 502, October 17, reported on the likely composition of the Grand National Assembly and the political implications of the elections. (Ibid., 782.00/10–1761) Turkish elections were held on October 15. The Republican Party won 36.7 percent of the vote and 173 seats. The two parties constituted from the leadership of the Democratic Party, the Justice Party and New Turkey Party, received 34.8 percent (158 seats) and 13.7 percent (65 seats), respectively.
3. Telegram 519, October 21, commented on possible formulas for a governing coalition. (Ibid., 782.00/10–2161)
4. In telegram 526, October 24, the Embassy reported that the military had offered a list of its candidates for governmental positions to Inonu and that negotiations were proceeding. It added: “At one point in discussion when Inonu suggested these issues be held for decision after GNA convened, Ulay, who participated in meeting as rep mil rather than CNU, is reported to have laughed and said GNA would not convene unless these points all settled first.” (Ibid., 782.00/10–2461) Turkish civilian leaders accepted the military’s conditions and signed a protocol confirming these accords on October 24. The Grand National Assembly elected Gursel as President on October 26.