Office of the Historian

160. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Italy0

Washington, December 18, 1962, 8:17 p.m.

1151. Eyes only for Ambassadors Reinhardt and Hare. Subject: Jupiter Missiles.

1.
This message is strictly FYI. No distribution should be made of this message and tight security should be maintained.
2.
The Secretary and Secretary McNamara, in separate conversations at Paris discussed subject of removal of Jupiter missiles from Turkey with Sancar and Erkin, and McNamara discussed removal of Jupiters from Italy with Andreotti.1
3.
Proposal advanced by McNamara was for dismantling of the Jupiters by April 1, with these missiles to be replaced by Polaris stationed in Mediterranean. [1 line of source text not declassified]
4.

Proposed replacement was explained in terms of a desire to modernize Alliance missile capability removing a highly vulnerable [Page 461] system which, during the Cuban crisis, provided inviting target to the Soviets should US have been forced to undertake military action against Cuba. In view of high vulnerability and advancing obsolescence, these systems should be replaced with more modern and effective system prior to onset of any new crisis which might, for example, occur in the near future over Berlin. In this way Alliance would have benefit of more effective deterrent force while denying to the Soviets an opportunity to bring political pressures to bear by threatening attacks against vulnerable Jupiter missiles.

[1 paragraph (5 lines of source text) not declassified]

6.

McNamara also indicated to Andreotti that while US was of view that SETAF should be taken over by Italians, US was prepared to continue support for at least an interim period and that we would be prepared to modernize SETAF by replacement of Corporals by Sergeants, such action to be related to Jupiter removal.

[3 paragraphs (23 lines of source text) not declassified]

10.
Following McNamara’s talk with Defense Minister, Erkin mentioned matter informally to Secretary in a friendly and relaxed mood saying that he saw no difficulty provided ways and means were found to make it clear that US was continuing a military presence in Turkey and was firmly committed to Turkey’s defense.
11.
Importance of maintaining strictest security was emphasized in conversations with Turkish and Italian governments. Should you be queried by representatives of Turkish or Italian governments, Secretary does not think it advisable for you to attempt to amplify US proposal. We are now working out next steps for following up on US proposal. For example, we have in mind that Secretary of Defense McNamara might soon visit Southeast Asia and would stop off in Ankara for discreet talk with highest Turkish officials. If, therefore, matter is raised with you suggest you merely refer to talks in Paris and indicate will request further instructions.
Rusk
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 740.5611/12–1862, Top Secret. Drafted by Seymour Weiss and Johnson; cleared with Kitchen, NEA, EUR, and the Department of Defense; and approved by Johnson. Also sent to Ankara.↩
  2. Memoranda of conversation with Erkin (US/MC–2) and McNamara’s conversation with Sancar (US/MC–20) and Andreotti (US/MC–21) are ibid., Conference Files: Lot 65 D 533, CF 2198.↩