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

203. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon¹ ²

Washington, undated.

SUBJECT:

• A Major Step on Opium Eradication in Turkey

Following your meeting on June 14 on narcotics, Ambassador Handley has had a series of discussions with Turkish Prime Minister ERIM, which have resulted in Turkish agreement to eliminate planting of the opium poppy in 1972 on certain conditions. This is a major breakthrough, and the purpose of this memo is to seek your approval of the steps that are necessary to conclude this agreement.

Prime Minister ERIM has agreed to issue a decree no later than June 30 announcing that opium poppy cultivation will no longer be permitted after this year’s planting, which must be allowed under present Turkish law in four provinces. [There will be a maximum effort to buy up this year’s crop.] This means that there will be no more Turkish poppy crops after the summer of 1972. In return, he has asked certain financial assistance and a public message from you praising this step and pledging continued US economic and military cooperation with Turkey.

Ambassador Handley in return will confirm an offer to the Turkish government of up to $15 million to help compensate farmers for their loss of income for a transition period of three, possibly four, years. He was also authorized to offer an additional grant of $10 million in FY 1972 and $10 million in FY 1973 to assist the Turkish government with economic development in the opium-growing areas in order to provide the farmers there with alternatives.

Both the financial offer and the requested statement seem quite consistent with US interests. The financial assistance will go principally to the development of the agricultural sector in Turkey. The public statement is nothing more than a reiteration of your strong conviction of the importance of attacking the narcotics issue, an expression of gratitude to Turkey, and a pledge of continued military and economic collaboration between the US and Turkey, which is a strong element in our NATO relationship anyway.

RECOMMENDATION:

1. That you confirm offering up to $35 million as described above.

2. That you approve the attached statement as suggested by Prime Minister ERIM to be issued shortly after the Turkish decision is announced if ERIM says it meets his needs.

3. That you endorse in principle sending a high-level agricultural mission to Turkey to help with this transition. (text cleared by Price.)

Secretary Rogers makes the above recommendation and Secretary Connally, the Attorney General and the Administrator for AID concur. Mr. Ehrlichman and I agree.

APPROVE _______ OTHER _________

Attachment

TEXT OF DRAFT PRESIDENTIAL STATEMENT

In today’s world, declarations of statesmanlike intent are not difficult. But instances of courageous statesmanlike action are few. Prime Minister Nihat Erim of Turkey has just combined the two. Today he declared that the Republic of Turkey, our friend and staunch ally within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, would abandon a traditional agricultural practice in order to make a significant contribution to the well-being of the world. In the decree of his Government, he announced that within one year in accordance with the law of his nation the opium poppy will no longer be planted. This farsighted step will provide an example which we trust will soon be followed by other nations.

For hundreds of years, tens of thousands of Turkish families have raised the opium poppy as a legitimate cash crop and for its edible oil and seed. Under a United Nations Convention, Turkey is one of those few nations permitted legally to grow poppy for export; yet Turkey is one of the few opium-cultivating countries in which the use of opium or heroin as an addictive drug is virtually unknown. Since the opium farmer has little if any knowledge of his part in the spread of a frightening international epidemic, a ban on opium production is a particularly difficult decision. These circumstances accentuate the vision and wisdom of this very important step. We know well the importance of the agricultural sector of Turkey’s economy and we are prepared to put at the disposal of the Turkish Government our best technical brains to assist Turkey’s program to bring about a better life for the Turkish farmer. We are proud to assist in a program from which we all will benefit.

Secretary of State Rogers told me about his discussions in April with Prime Minister ERIM and senior Turkish officials. Secretary Rogers understood fully the range of problems confronting the Turkish Government and its people, and he was impressed by the efforts being made to solve them. We in the United States are obligated to a friend and ally whose firm military and political commitment to the welfare and defense of the Atlantic community is well known. My Administration is committed to aid nations and peoples prepared to help eliminate the narcotics menace. I pledge continued cooperation with Turkey in its efforts to increase the well being of its people and to maintain its independence and security.

1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 358, Subject Files, Narcotics IV. Secret; Outside system. Sent for action. Nixon initialed his approval. The attached statement was released on July 30 and is printed in Public Papers: Nixon, 1971, pp. 789-790.
2. Kissinger reported that a major breakthrough had been achieved with the Turkish Government on opium control in exchange for U.S. financial assistance and a public message from Nixon. A draft presidential statement was attached.