Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Volume X, Part 1, Eastern Europe Region; Soviet Union; Cyprus

278. Telegram From the Embassy in Turkey to the Department of State⁰

Ankara, October 6, 1958, 3 a.m.

1130. In compliance Department telegram 1166,¹ which somewhat at variance with Department telegram 1132,² I flew [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] hurriedly to Istanbul noon October 5 to seek interview with Prime Minister Menderes. At airport Ankara, I made point of seeing Foreign Minister Zorlu, who just returning from Istanbul to preside at luncheon to which I was invited, but from which, at last minute, I naturally had to bow out. I advised Zorlu purpose my trip, also giving him copy Herter letter (letter telegram 1132).

Although requested previously by telephone do so, Consul General Miner Istanbul had not been able arrange meeting with Menderes. Hence, upon arrival, I sought Menderes at Park Hotel where he residing. Was advised by his bodyguard that Prime Minister was “out” (parts unknown). I left card for his private secretary (Fenmen) stating my request and asking Fenmen call me hilton Hotel when meeting could be arranged. (Firmly believe both Menderes and Fenmen were having afternoon nap and had ordered no one disturb them.) Very shortly thereafter, Fenmen telephoned me in extremely angry mood for not having given him adequate warning my trip and claiming I putting pressure on him. Nevertheless, he promised call me if and when meeting could he arranged. I agreed stay all night Istanbul if necessary in order complete my mission.

While awaiting Fenmen call, I received call from Zorlu at half past seven from Ankara, asking me return capital at once. I asked Zorlu if this were known to Prime Minister and in accord his wishes. Not feeling sure Zorlu was not attempting to take play out of Prime Minister’s hands, I made one more effort communicate with Fenmen to check this point. As I expected, I was told Fenmen was “out”. Obviously, since I have to work with Zorlu, and in view of past experience, I had no choice but to return Ankara.

Found Zorlu awaiting me Foreign Office Ankara 11:45 p.m. I first asked him if he had conferred with Prime Minister during afternoon. He replied affirmatively, saying that he had also read him copy Herter letter (original for Menderes left with Miner for delivery, if possible, October 6). In following discussion, largely unilateral, since it was difficult for me to get in a word, Zorlu assured me he was reflecting views of Menderes, President Bayar and his own, in other words, policy of Turkish Government.

Despite all arguments that I could propound (in accordance Department telegram 1166) and others previously used, Zorlu stated categorically that while Turkish Government willing to enter into any number of conferences with Greeks or with Greece and UK, even with participation both Cypriot communities, Turkey would not do so under aegis of Spaak, nor would it consent to discuss status Turkish represent-ative in Cyprus, which Zorlu said is already clearly established. Zorlu said he had expressed very same sentiments to UK charge and that he had full approval Menderes in this course. He added that President Bayar had warned him to yield no more, else Turkey would lose everything in Cyprus. Zorlu then said: “Off-the-record, Mr. Hall, I blame you for Turkey’s present weakened position with respect to Cyprus” (referring to Consulate General deal).

Zorlu feels that NAC is not proper forum for discussion of disputes between NATO allies, saying: “Today, it is Cyprus, tomorrow it may be Iceland and Great Britain. If I had been Foreign Minister when ‘three Wise Men’ policy propounded, I would have fought it bitterly.”

Comment: I have carried out instructions to fullest extent, on occasion contrary my judgment. I believe it is useless to try to push Turks further. We will lose ground gained lately in our relations.

Hall

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 747C.00/10–658. Secret; Niact. Repeated to Athens, Paris for USRO, Nicosia, Istanbul, Izmir, Iskenderun, and London.
1. Telegram 1166 to Ankara, October 4, instructed Hall to present a letter from Herter to Menderes urging Turkish participation in the proposed NATO conference on Cyprus and to stress U.S. support for the conference proposal. (Ibid., 747C.00/10–458)
2. Telegram 1132 to Ankara, October 2, transmitted the text of the Herter letter to Menderes and instructed Hall to deliver it if he believed it would be useful. (Ibid., 747C.00/10–258)