Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–1, Documents on Global Issues, 1969–1972

199. Telegram 4439 From the Embassy in Turkey to the Department of State¹ ²

Ankara, June 26, 1971, 2245Z.

For the Secretary from Handley

Subject:

• Opium

Reference:

• Ankara 4437

1. Following my meeting at Golcuk yesterday (reftel) I had long conversation with Prime Minister Erim tonight at his private quarters which I believe opens realistic way to full eradication of Turkish opium production. It was also a sincere reiteration of Turkey’s basic friendship for United States. I recommend most strongly that Washington follow through quickly with actions needed to tie down this encouraging exchange.

2. The great difference between this evening’s discussion and others of past two weeks was that Erim was in complete charge of Turkish side (Deputy Prime Minister Karaosmanoglu was only other Minister present). Erim’s intelligence, sincere friendship for the West in general and US in particular, and deep impression you made on him while you were here came through in everything he said. In end, he said, it was not money but friendship that was important.

3. I stated if Turkey eradicates opium next year, USG will follow through with: (a) $10-15 million grant over next three years to compensate farmers and to offset foreign exchange losses; (b) another $10 million grant in FY 72 to help Turkey establish means for new way of life for affected farmers. In addition, I promised to recommend to Washington that Turkey should be granted an additional $10 million in FY 1973. Beyond these three basic points, I suggested USAID would do all possible to advise on new agricultural programs and USG would encourage similar help from international organizations and private foundations. I said I “fervently” urged that Turkey take this major step of eradication.

4. Erim presented his side by saying we agreed on two points: helping farmers and eventual eradication. Said compensation must be based on 1971 crop and on 1971 international price. I said yes to both, but refused to consider illegal crops as part of this computation. Erim agreed that illegal crops would not be considered, but also said compensation must continue until farmers income from new sources balances that from old. When I suggested this was open-ended arrangement, he said “no, no it will be equalized in three or four years.”

5. Erim recalled his first Cabinet position as Minister of Public Works in late nineteen-forties when American aid program just beginning in Turkey. Commented our greatest success then was highway development program. “Turkey will benefit forever from that work.” Suggested that what is needed now similar “agricultural mission” at high level to assist and advise in the basic agrarian reforms his government will propose.

6. Erim continued that he and Karaosmanoglu would draft new decree and public statement saying only four provinces will be allowed to plant for 1972 harvest and then there will be no more poppy farming in Turkey. We will be shown advance drafts on Monday. He would then, after decree and statement issued, need from President Nixon public statement referring to reassurances of friendship made in your late April visit to Ankara, giving full recognition to GOT’s efforts to control and eradicate opium, promising to help in the affected areas including enlisting the cooperatione of international organizations and private foundations, and reiterating fact military collaboration will continue between US and Turkey. He made clear that this message was a key element of his proposal and should come after issuance decree and his statement.

7. I summed up points of what I understood to be situation as follows: (a) GOT will write new decree and statement on opium; (b) only four provinces will grow poppies for 1972 crop;(c) thereafter there will be no poppy farming in Turkey; (d) USG will provide grant aid of $10-15 million to compensate farmers on basis 1971 international legal repeat legal price; (e) we will request President Nixon to send message along lines suggested by Erim; (f) we will pledge $10 million grant for FY 1972 to help improve lives of affected farmers; (g) I will recommend to Washington that an additional $10 million grant be provided for FY 73; and (h) we will do what we can to help thereafter providing US agricultural know-how including possibility of a high level agricultural mission. Erim added that compensation must as he noted earlier, continue until farmers’ income from new sources balances that from legal sales of opium.

8. Erim said he wanted President Nixon to know he had reliable ally in Turkey. He must go forward with reforms his government has announced, he said in order to move toward “normal state of affairs,” controlling extremists by positive action rather than martial law. “Martial law cannot and should not continue,” he said. In order to continue as strong ally, however, Turkey must strengthen its economic and social order. I said our work that night could mark beginnings of stronger US-Turk alliance. Prime Minister concluded “every occasion must strengthen that alliance.”

9. Comment: Full report on conversation will follow. Time is still very short and much remains to be done before June 30. We will report on Turkish draft decree and statement and will hope to exchange ideas about President’s statement. Only specific financial commitments made so far are $10-15 million for compensation over next two to three years and $10 million grant for agro-industrial development in FY 72. It seemed to me that Prime Minister, at least on basis of what he said tonight (unlike wild financial bonanza expected by his subordinates, particularly Minister of Commerce and Industry Cilingiroglu), placed highest priority on assumption that US would not let Turkey down as he took final irrevocable action to end poppy growing in Turkey.

Handley

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970-73, INCO-DRUGS TUR. Secret; Immediate; Exdis.
2. Ambassador Handley reported to Secretary of State Rogers that a private conversation with Prime Minister ERIM had resulted in a realistic approach to opium control. He urged the Department to follow through immediately.