Office of the Historian

375. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Turkey0

Washington, August 4, 1960, 10:23 a.m.

233. Following for immediate delivery is text of message to Gursel from President. Advise date and time delivery.

“August 4, 1960

Dear Mr. President:

I have just had an opportunity to talk with General Norstad about his recent visit to Turkey and the fine discussion he had with you at that time. I was particularly gratified at General Norstad’s report of your very friendly and cooperative attitude toward the United States.1 I appreciate the many problems you are now facing and wish to assure you that we have a sympathetic understanding of them and are ready to study the ways in which we might be helpful.2

Sincerely,

Dwight D. Eisenhower”

White House does not wish this message to be made public. Observe Presidential Handling.3

Herter
  1. Source: Eisenhower Library, Staff Secretary Records, International Series. Confidential; Priority; Presidential Handling. Drafted by John A. Calhoun in S/S; concurred in by Herter (in draft), G. Lewis Jones, and Goodpaster; and approved by Calhoun.↩
  2. See Document 374. In telegram 255 from Ankara, August 9, Warren reported that he was concerned with Eisenhower’s use of the expression “cooperative attitude,” warning that the new Turkish Government had in a number of instances been “short on cooperation.” (Department of State, Central Files, 611.82/8–960)↩
  3. In telegram 228 to Ankara, August 3, the Department of State reported that after consultations with Norstad it was willing to make approximately $10 million available to Turkey to assist indirectly in financing the retirement operations by providing financing for other parts of the Turkish budget. (Ibid., 782.5/7–2760)↩
  4. In telegram 230 from Ankara, August 5, Warren reported that Eisenhower’s message had been delivered to the Foreign Office. (Ibid., 882.00/8–560)↩