867.00/6–647: Telegram
The Ambassador in Turkey (Wilson) to the Secretary of State
priority
428. Department’s telegram 316 [313], June 4.1 Survey group of Army, Navy and State Department to advise me in making recommendations for most effective utilization of US aid to Turkey arrived [Page 194] in Ankara May 22. They at once began series daily meetings with officers Turk General Staff and other officials Turk Government. They have made most satisfactory progress and have obtained complete cooperation all Turk authorities. On June 3 members survey group with Turk opposite numbers [divided into working?] parties for visits to various sections Turkey for on ground studies of problems involved in survey. They are expected return Ankara by end June when we shall begin drafting our report. Pending their return and preparation of specific recommendations re utilization aid, I wish submit to Department following general views based on personal observation since my return from Washington and on experience gained by survey group to date.
- 1.
- Passage of legislation by US Congress to provide aid to Turkey has had most encouraging effect here. It has been wholeheartedly welcomed by Turk Government and people. It is regarded as a positive measure for maintenance of peace and stability in Middle East and as effective contribution to strengthening United Nations. Government and people are relying heavily on aid program and would fail utterly to understand any reluctance or delay on our part in implementing it.
- 2.
- My observations since returning here have served to strengthen even further my conviction that aid by US to assist Turkey is essential for maintenance peace in this area.
- 3.
- US aid is of great moral significance to this part of world as indicating US determination to support principles of UN.
- 4.
- On assumption US aid will take form largely of strengthening Turkish national defenses, this should also have beneficial effect on Turkish economy. Unless US furnishes needed supplies and equipment Turkey would be obliged to use foreign exchange and held reserves to acquire them, thereby weakening financial and economic position.
- 5.
- Preliminary investigations in many fields of possible application of aid program have revealed extensive need for aid in form of equipment, supplies and technical advice. These investigations reveal even greater need for such assistance than was at first anticipated. There is ample evidence that funds to be made available can be applied on effective projects, many of which are of urgent character. It is clear that program which will be of inestimable assistance to Turkey is being developed and that benefits of aid program should be fully as effective as anticipated.
- 6.
- With this aid from US and with such further assistance as Turkey hopes to obtain from International Bank for economic projects, Turkey should be able to carry out successfully development of country’s economic resources against background of strengthened national security.
- Not printed.↩