Office of the Historian

213. Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern, South Asian, and African Affairs (Rountree) to the Secretary of State1

Washington, April 4, 1957.

SUBJECT

  • Richards Mission—Turkey, March 20–232

Discussions

The Prime Minister stressed that Turkey is primarily interested in the Middle East security but felt that the U.S. should look to its friends first, consider the uncommitted states second, and disregard the opposition states. Richards said these priorities are understood in the U.S. but we feel that encouragement to the weaker states might have a tonic effect.

Richards announced U.S. willingness to join the Baghdad Pact Military Committee if invited and referred to the regional projects in terms of our financial limitations. He also declared U.S. willingness to supplement the Turk military program. Seager conducted economic talks with the Turks but they requested no additional aid. The Turks were pleased by the Baghdad Pact announcement through them and further flattered by Richards’ request for comments on other Middle East states, which they gave freely.

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Findings

Richards was impressed by the Turks, admired their self-confidence and steadiness, their strength of character, and their open-eyed attitude, with few delusions, but noted that it would be an error to assume that they are pliable and always responsive. They have charted their own road and intend to follow it. They are more ready to listen to us in foreign than in internal affairs, as in divergences over anti-inflation.

Commitments

(1)
Adherence to Military Committee of Baghdad Pact
(2)
One squadron F–100 aircraft—$16 million
(3)
One submarine on loan—$4 million
(4)
Assistance for surveys of regional projects

Comments

The Turks were deeply satisfied by the Richards visit. They expect and deserve a prominent part in expanding the Doctrine. Ambassador Warren reports orally that Richards handled himself extremely well.

  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 120.1580/5–1057. Secret. Drafted by Bliss. Also addressed to the Under Secretary of State.↩
  2. Regarding the Richards Mission visit to Turkey, see vol. XXIV, p. 710. For text of the joint communiqué issued on March 22 in Ankara, see Department of State Bulletin, May 6, 1957, pp. 726–727.↩