Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Soviet Union, Eastern Mediterranean, Volume XXIV

371. Telegram From the Embassy in Turkey to the Department of State¹

Ankara, November 13, 1957—7 p.m.

1395. When on a few minutes notice I saw Prime Minister this morning for first time since elections about an urgent matter (Embtel 1379 November 12 [13]²), he began conversation by saying he wanted mention to me a matter that would be known only to him and me. (We were alone for entire conversation.) He said during next few days he will be making up his new cabinet. During many past months he has found pressure on himself for handling foreign affairs to be far too much. He must have a competent Minister of Foreign Affairs, one who has his confidence. Etem Menderes already has an appropriate portfolio (Minister of Public Works) and lacks the experience demanded of a competent Minister of Foreign Affairs. The only member of the Grand National Assembly with the required knowledge and experience to be Foreign Minister who has Prime Minister’s confidence is Minister Fatin Rustu Zorlu. Menderes added that he had been told variously that Zorlu as Minister of Foreign Affairs would not be pleasing to the US. He stressed how important it is that he be relieved of the pressure from the work of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and how essential it is that the Foreign Minister be one who could loyally and enthusiastically support his policy of fullest cooperation and collaboration with USA. He asked me what I thought about his appointing Zorlu.

I said I was of course speaking without consulting my government and made clear that what I said must be considered in that light. I continued, however, by stating I thought I knew my government and American people and expressed myself thus:

1. The US would want him to select his cabinet on basis of appointment men of his confidence able and competent to carry out his policies.

2. I had found Zorlu able, intelligent, cooperative and friendly to USA during recent months.

3. The only reservation I could think of which might occur to Washington was whether Zorlu might harbor resentment toward US because of his failure to get the $300 million loan some years ago.

Menderes replied he could assure me that Zorlu harbors no such resentment. On the contrary, Zorlu came back and reported to him that he not get the loan for $300 million but he did get immediately $30 million which was what Turkey then and there seriously needed.

Prime Minister continued that Zorlu not only harbors no resentment but that he is friendly towards the US, believes in the US, champions the present policy of closest relations with the US, and will do everything possible advance the closest most friendly relations between two countries.

Menderes then said that a few days will elapse before he will complete his cabinet. He suggested that I convey this message to the Department. I am sure he would like the Department’s reaction within 24 hours if that be possible.

Comment: I trust the Department can approve what I have said to the Prime Minister. Lyon, Collins³ and I agree that it would be a great mistake for the USG to indicate any objection whatsoever to Zorlu. Furthermore, I am convinced that this development can put Zorlu definitely on our side for the entire time that Menderes supports us. I would like to have Zorlu as enthusiastic in his support of the USA position as is Prime Minister Menderes.⁴

Warren

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 782.13/11–1357. Top Secret; Niact.
2. In telegram 1379 Warren informed the Department that Menderes did not attend the reception for Italy’s President as the Ambassador had expected. Warren noted that he would find the first opportunity to talk to the Prime Minister regarding his suggestion about deployment of troops upon the completion of maneuvers. (Ibid., 782.54/11–1357)
3. V. Lansing Collins, Counselor at Ankara.
4. In telegram 1591, November 14, the Department informed Warren that it “fully” agreed with his views and approved the way in which he had handled the conversation with Menderes. The Ambassador was instructed to inform the Prime Minister that the United States had “high regard” for Zorlu. (Department of State, Central Files, 782.13/11–1357)