365. Memorandum of a Conversation Between the Turkish Ambassador (Ürgüplü) and the Deputy Under Secretary of State (Henderson), Department of State, Washington, September 19, 19571
SUBJECT
- Turkish Ambassador’s Initial Call on Mr. Henderson
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ambassador Ürgüplü felt the main problem now affecting East-West relations was the Arab-Israeli problem. He expressed his serious concern at Israeli’s constant population growth and felt that its need to expand territorially would continue to exacerbate the Arab-Israeli problem.
As to Turkey, the Ambassador pointed out that although anti-Russian feelings are very strong among the people, the situation cannot be taken for granted. The high cost of living, the shortages of imported commodities, and the heavy defense expenditures are affecting people’s thinking. Although most recent USSR economic offers have been turned down by the Turkish Government it is a question as to how long these offers can be resisted.
The Ambassador concluded by stating that he wanted to be frank and paint an honest picture of the situation as he saw it personally. The Turks will not be discouraged and will effectively [Page 737] resist the Russians, but it is now a fact that the USSR is in the Middle East.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.82/9–1957. Secret. Drafted by Brewster.↩