Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XXV, Organization of Foreign Policy; Information Policy; United Nations; Scientific Matters

344. Airgram From the Embassy in Turkey to the Department of State¹

A–1136

Ankara, June 24, 1963.

SUBJECT

• Narcotics: Turkey Ratifies 1953 Opium Protocol

REF

• CERP D–15; Embassy A–543, November 29, 1962²

SUMMARY

The draft bill proposing GOT ratification of the 1953 Opium Protocol which was submitted to the Turkish House of Representatives late in March, became law on June 4, 1963 (Law 245), and appeared in the Official Gazette of June 11, 1963 (No. 11425). The Embassy believes that the low level of opium exports and large stocks have been influential in promoting the ratification of the Protocol. The export price of Turkish opium is still not competitive with the Indian product. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is preparing a draft bill proposing GOT ratification of the 1961 Single Convention, but according to the Ministry, present plans do not include its submission to Parliament during this session. Representations explaining U.S.G. opposition to this Convention have been made to the Ministry. End of Summary

Following the visit of Assistant Secretary James A. Reed to Ankara during November 1962 (see A–543 under reference), the Embassy has made frequent follow up representations during December, January and February urging GOT ratification of the 1953 Opium Protocol. Despite these representations, which received polite attention, effective action on the part of the GOT did not seem to be forthcoming. As a result of the Greek ratification and the UN announcement on February 6, 1963, the Embassy sent a formal note to the Turkish Foreign Office on March 1 (Enclosure 1)³ notifying the Government of Turkey that with the deposit of the Greek instrument of ratification, the United Nations had announced that the Protocol would enter into force on March 8, 1963. The only reaction received by the Embassy was a note acknowledging receipt of our Note (see Enclosure 2).

However, soon afterward a draft bill proposing GOT ratification of the 1953 Protocol was submitted to the Turkish House of Representatives and was referred to the Temporary Legislative Committee where it remained for almost a month. It was reported out of Committee and approved by the House on April 29 just prior to its recess. The Bill was then sent to the Senate and the Minister of Commerce requested that it be discussed on an urgent basis by the Senate when it reconvened on May 14. Senate discussion was delayed due to political disturbances but the Bill was approved by the Senate on June 4 and became Law 245. The Protocol appeared in Official Gazette 11425 of June 11, 1963.

The Embassy believes that the low level of opium exports has been an influential factor in promoting the ratification of the 1953 Protocol. Mr. Hurem Balkan of TOPRAK, without giving specifics, described opium exports as very “disappointing,” adding that stocks are currently at the high level of 400 tons and after the new crop is harvested may reach 700 tons. This may be a conservative figure since TOPRAK in the past has not disclosed complete stocks. The Embassy has pointed out to Mr. Balkan that the relatively high price of Turkish opium was harmful to Turkish exports. He replied that costs were such that Turkish opium could not be sold for less, but as in the past, Embassy requests for cost data were refused.

On May 12 the press carried the story that opium purchase prices would be reduced. The press claimed that TOPRAK had decided to reduce purchase prices for opium by 10% and that the decision would be officially announced after Cabinet approval. The reason given was the low price of Indian opium and competition from synthetics. Decree #6/1785 of May 29, 1963 (Official Gazette of May 31, 1963) determined the raw opium domestic sales prices for 1963 substantially at 1962 levels. The price, depending upon the class, ranges from TL 80–100 per kilo with an additional 10% premium for the best qualities of each class.

Along with the favorable developments regarding the 1953 Protocol, there is an unfavorable development in GOT narcotic policy which the Embassy is continuing to watch closely. The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs is preparing a draft bill proposing ratification of the 1961 Single Convention. This bill has not been submitted to the House of Representatives and according to an official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, present plans do not include its submission to Parliament during this session. In addition to the presentation made to the Ministry reported in Airgram under reference, the Embassy has made follow-up calls explaining the reasons for United States Government opposition to the ratification of the 1961 Single Convention. These representations always receive polite attention and assurances are given that the USG viewpoint will be taken into consideration, but no definite commitment is ever made. With the 1953 Protocol ratified, and the GOT proclivity for delay, it is hoped that the Bill proposing ratification of the 1961 Single Convention will get pigeon-holed in the Ministry. Unless otherwise instructed, the Embassy will not raise the matter with the Ministry again because such action might be counterproductive, but will endeavor by other means to keep abreast of any developments regarding the progress of this Bill.

For the Ambassador:
L. Wade Lathram
Counselor of Embassy
For Economic Affairs

1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1960–63, SOC 11–5. Confidential. Drafted by Elaine D. Smith and approved by Edward P. Prince. Repeated to Istanbul, Izmir, Adana, Paris, and Rome.
2. Neither found.
3. The enclosures are not printed.