Foreign Relations of the United States, 1977–1980, Volume XXI, Cyprus; Turkey; Greece

161. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Turkey¹

Washington, January 17, 1981, 0114Z

12307. Subject: Presidential Message to General Evren (S/S 8100562). Ref: State 339227 (Notal).²

1. (C-entire text)

2. Please deliver as soon as possible the following message from President Carter to Head of State General Evren. Signed original will be pouched to you. The Department does not plan to release this text but has no objection if the GOT wishes to do so.

3. Message to General Evren (dated January 14, 1981):

Begin text.

Dear General Evren:

Ambassador Elekdag has transmitted to me your message of December 10. I thank you for your kind sentiments, and I share your hope for the future well-being and prosperity of our peoples.

As I complete my term of office, I want to express my appreciation for the close relations our two nations have had in the past four years. I believe deeply that, working together and with others, we have had considerable success in addressing the difficult problems of the Eastern Mediterranean. I take particular satisfaction from the knowledge that sustained efforts in Ankara and Washington have put the Turkish-American relationship back on a solid foundation. The most tangible proof is the conclusion last March of the Defense and Economic Cooperation Agreement.

Much work remains on our bilateral agenda, and the NATO allies face major challenges in Europe and on new fronts in Southwest Asia and the Persian Gulf. You will have my continued support as you seek to address those issues, and as you continue your important work in leading Turkey back to democratic government.

Sincerely,

Jimmy Carter.

End text.

Muskie

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D810024–0387. Confidential; Immediate. Drafted by James A. Williams (EUR/SE); cleared by Dillery and Ewing; approved in S/S.
2. In telegram 339227 to Ankara, December 25, the Department forwarded Evren’s December 10 letter, which thanked Carter for his “untiring efforts” toward promoting peace and security around the world, and for endeavoring to establish better relations between the United States and Turkey. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D800611–0009)