378. Telegram From the Embassy in France to the Department of State0
4677. From Stoessel. Following is report on General Norstad’s visit to Ankara April 2 at invitation Prime Minister Inonu. General Norstad concludes that primary purposes of invitation were (1) to re-emphasize strong Turkish ties with US and (2) to express concern regarding what Turks fear may be tendency of US to differentiate between “general war” and “local actions”, with result that US would not come to Turks assistance in event of latter. General Norstad also took occasion to stress his view of importance of stability in Turkey and role which armed forces could play in this. Details follow.
General Norstad had long, extremely cordial talk with Prime Minister Inonu [who] said he wished give Norstad most positive assurances that Turkey would live up to its commitments to NATO, to the US and to West. He expressed himself in strong terms and reiterated this point several times.
He spoke very warmly of US. He mentioned that one of problems in last two world wars was doubt as to whether US would enter conflict. Now uncertainly regarding US role has been prevented by membership of US in NATO. Nevertheless, he went on to say that Turkey is somewhat concerned about repeated discussions of difference between general war on one hand and, on other hand, incursions, infiltrations and local actions. One of Turkey’s great worries is that local aggression against her would not be regarded as important enough to warrant response by US or other NATO countries.
General Norstad responded that NATO treaty does not differentiate between types of attack; if country can not deal with situation itself then other NATO countries would come to its aid. US had demonstrated amply its ability to support Turkey in event of attack, and he referred to presence of Sixth Fleet in Mediterranean, Exercise Checkmate, et cetera. He also mentioned development of mobile force. Dispatch of mobile force to assist in coping with local incident would serve to put defense against such incident on NATO-wide basis. General Norstad said there should be no question on part of Turkey about sincerity and determination of US in doing everything necessary to defend Turkey.
Inonu picked up Norstad’s reference to requirement that country attacked should attempt to cope with attack by its own means in first instance. He said this raised question of status of Turkish forces and need for help in equipment and supply of forces. He thanked Norstad [Page 725] for US support in past and asked understanding for continuing Turkish need in this regard. Army requires increased mobility. Navy needs modernization. As for Air Force, Inonu said “it needs everything”. General Norstad said US is aware of Turkish problems concerning equipment. He reminded Inonu of extensive US aid to Turkey in past and said he was sure that US would continue to accord special consideration to Turkish needs. He mentioned that this also was NATO problem and that he would insure that other NATO countries were made aware of situation.
General Norstad strongly recommended that Turkish authorities deal closely with US Embassy and JUSMMAT on aid problems. Inonu spoke very warmly of Ambassador Hare as good friend of Turkey with deep understanding of country. These comments concerning Ambassador were echoed in later conversations with Foreign Minister Erkin and General Sunay.
General Norstad saw President Gursel in afternoon. General Sunay also participated in conversation. General Norstad found that there had been great change physically in Gursel since he last saw him about a year and half ago.1 Although his mind seems clear, he appeared to speak with some difficulty and had lost his former animation. Gursel also spoke of ties with NATO and emphasized his view that NATO countries should stand together as one, “like a chain.” Gursel said that suppression of recent attempted revolt had left government in stronger position. He had been pleased with manner in which Constitution had been established and Parliament installed, remarking that these actions had caused less trouble than anticipated. For future, Gursel foresaw gradual improvement in situation.
General Norstad in his remarks (which were particularly for General Sunay’s benefit) emphasized that political stability is essential to over-all improvement. Undoubtedly some public funds could be obtained for economic progress, but real requirement was for private capital. This could only come if confidence is established in government. He felt this was biggest task facing Turkish authorities, both military and political. Gursel readily agreed with these remarks. Sunay obviously took them in but showed no reaction.
In separate talk with General Sunay, General Norstad likewise stressed importance of stability. He said armed forces have been successful in controlling situation and overcoming crisis; now attention should be given to building up strength and cohesion of armed forces, bearing in mind contribution they could make to stability of Turkish Government.
[Page 726]General Norstad met briefly with Foreign Minister Erkin and Defense Minister Sancar. These conversations were quite general and no specific problems were raised. As in other talks, stress was on Turkish ties with NATO.
In more general discussion, Inonu expressed concern about discussion of Rapacki plan in Geneva2 and mentioned news report that provisions of plan would result in limitations being placed on Greece and Turkey. Norstad said he was not aware of extension of plan to these countries, in any case, Rapacki presentation was simply new version of old plan which had been rejected in past by West.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 375/4–362. Secret. Repeated to Ankara.↩
- Gursel had suffered a stroke on April 27, 1961.↩
- For text of the Rapacki Plan for a Denuclearized and Limited Armaments Zone in Europe submitted to the Eighteen-Nation Disarmament Committee in Geneva on March 28, see Documents on Disarmament, 1962, vol. I, pp. 201–205.↩