Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XVI, Eastern Europe; Cyprus; Greece; Turkey

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

Ankara, January 19, 1962, 8 p.m.

786. Department pass USIA and Defense. Paris pass Stoessel and McGuire. In conversation yesterday with Chief JUSMMAT, General Sunay stressed urgent desire Turkish armed forces continue maximum classification MRBM bases Turkey. He specifically asked him “make representations through Ambassador” indicating he was quite disturbed by stories on MRBM bases here appearing outside Turkey. He also asked “USIS and other information agencies” be requested “observe his desires in this matter.”

While advantages revision Turkish attitude towards MRBMs in view our declassification clearly understood here, it is apparent General Sunay reflects strongest possible feelings Turkish armed forces on this point. Since this is request of Turkish military, we should give great weight to it. Since it is also exactly in accord with GOT policy vis-à-vis the Soviet Union, it deserves even more weight. Russians undoubtedly know missiles here, but publicity over matter like waving red flag at bull and would contradict the rather strong and very good statement Prime Minister Inonu made to Soviet Ambassador on Turkish-Soviet relations (Embassy telegram 731).¹

As regards external press coverage Turkish MRBM, we have obviously little control. However, we should seek minimize coverage resulting from pending firings Turkish battalion Cape Canaveral and avoid official links or DOD releases which might suggest we are treating subject less discreetly in US than desired by General Sunay.²

Hare

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 782.56340/1–1962. Secret. Repeated to Paris and Wiesbaden Air Force Base.
1. See footnote 3, Document 375.
2. In telegram 592 to Ankara, January 26, the Department of State requested that the Embassy inform Sunay that it would make “every effort” to minimize press coverage of Jupiter test firings but pointed out that the existence of U.S.-Turkish Jupiter deployment arrangements had been public knowledge for a “long time.” Department of State, Central Files, 782.56340/1–1962)