867.20/9–2947: Telegram
The Chargé in Turkey (Bursley) to the Secretary of State
priority
751. When I called on Foreign Minister this morning his request he made following statement:
Turkish Government has decided demobilize (reEmbtel 655, August 17 and Deptel 503, August 23) one existing class for budgetary reasons. This demobilization will begin soon. 1948 revenue under most optimistic and “forced” estimate are 1,200,000,000 liras approximately. Minister National Defense asks enormous sum. Even sacrificing greatest part of constructive work desired by other Ministries including Public Works and Hygiene, there is available for national defense in 1948 budget only 380,000,000 liras which is already about one-third of budget. No other state spends so high a percentage. This is not all. Even with demobilizing one class, to be able to support remaining armed forces, the Government must furnish later in 1948 for national defense in addition to the 380,000,000 the sum of 140 to 150,000,000 liras. (For domestic psychological reasons this need for 140 to 150,000,000 not to be announced at this time. For this additional amount new or increased taxes yet to be determined will be needed.[)]
The Turks anticipate a new war of nerves with Soviet object forcing more expenditure (Moscow’s 2699 to Department, August 251) when the Soviets learn of this demobilization as they will although it is not to be announced.
It is expected that the greatly appreciated American supplies will not arrive in Turkey within less than 4 or 5 months and it is believed that training of Turks in use will require several months more. It will [Page 353] take at least from 9 to 12 months from now to have a motorized force with bridges etc., in shape.
In view of foregoing Turkish Government wishes make most friendly request of American Government to come to aid of Turkey financially in order that there may not be created an economic and financial crisis in Turkey which would cause public discontent. The form of the requested aid can be taken up later. It is desired now to make an immediate request of the Department as to whether US can aid Turkey financially.
The amount involved will not exceed $100,000,000, part of which may perhaps go to nonmilitary purposes. Turkey will keep going but to avoid a very serious situation this financial aid is needed said Minister.
When I pointed out to Foreign Minister that it was not clear to me from foregoing which class or classes would be released, whether the 1928 class would be called up, and what would be strength of forces, he said that he himself was not fully familiar with this aspect; he begged that I get to Department and Ambassador Wilson immediately the information regarding deplorable budgetary situation and the question of whether in principle US Government could extend this financial aid for one year.
I said that we would very likely be asked for this military information and he said that if this requested he would be glad to obtain it. He said that since Chief Turkish General Staff would soon be in Washington military information could be obtained from him.
From what Foreign Minister said it seems Chief General Staff may be unaware this appeal for financial aid made, at any rate Chief Staff has not discussed this new decision with either service Attaché.
Military Attaché and Naval Attaché request this be passed urgently to Army and Navy Departments.
Sent Department 751; repeated Bern as 5 for Ambassador Wilson.
- Not printed; it stated in part, in reply to telegram 1638, p. 309: “However, we believe Soviet course of action with regard to Turkey, Greece and Iran will be determined primarily by other factors than standing strength Turkish army, such as vigor and strength US position in support those countries. Persistent Soviet war of nerves against Turkey clearly indicates Kremlin is not unaware effect heavy strain placed on Turkish economy by maintenance of armed forces in heavily mobilized condition. Consequently Embassy believes limited demobilization Turkish army will not materially affect Soviet attitude or course of action in this area, especially if accompanied by official statements reiterating Turkey’s determination to defend its sovereignty and integrity and pointing out that demobilization will in fact strengthen Turkey’s basic capacity to resist aggression by releasing manpower and funds for economic reconstruction.” (740.0011 EW (Peace)/8–2547)↩