The CIA's secret report on the Turkish left: 'They are a minority, but their propaganda is very effective'

Masum Gök - 12punto.com.tr

We continue to publish secret documents from the archives of the US intelligence agency, the CIA. There are many important documents regarding the Turkish left in the archive, which also contains thousands of documents related to Turkey. The rise of the left-wing movement in Turkey in 1969 caused panic in the US. In a secret report prepared on April 24, 1969, the CIA used the following expressions regarding the rising anti-Americanism in Turkey:

“The roots of anti-Americanism in Turkey lie in xenophobia and the frustrations of a highly nationalistic people. More recent expressions of hostility toward the US and Turkey's fundamental Western orientation reflect a desire for greater political freedom on the part of the new left, which developed particularly after the military revolution of May 1960 (May 27). The post-revolutionary atmosphere also encouraged the development of an aggressive political left, best exemplified by the Marxist Workers' Party of Turkey, which spearheaded anti-US and anti-NATO campaigns. However, both campaigns are largely aimed at undermining the moderate Justice Party regime led by Prime Minister Demirel and replacing it with a regime more inclined toward the political left.”

CYPRUS POLICY INCREASED ANTI-AMERICANISM

The CIA agents who wrote the report stated that the US not siding with Turkey in Cyprus increased anti-Americanism in Turkey and used the following expressions:

"Anti-Americanism in Turkey has increased in recent years as a result of events abroad and developments in Turkey's international relations. For example, the long-standing Cyprus dispute, and especially the US's failure to support Turkey's position in this dispute, has damaged American prestige and goodwill more than any other factor. The warning letter sent by the US President to Turkey in 1964 against military intervention in Cyprus (the Johnson letter) was particularly damaging in this regard. There is a widespread belief in Turkey that the US 'prevented' the occupation of Cyprus to protect Turkey's national honor and interests. The sharp decline in American economic and military aid in recent years has also negatively affected the attitudes of the public and, to some extent, official authorities toward the US. Even high-level Turkish officials, who acknowledge the heavy burden of the Vietnam War on US resources, tend to view the US aid cuts, particularly in the military field, as a failure to comply with the 'gentleman's agreement' outlined in the McNaughton proposals. Turks believe that as a result of the review of NATO force levels by former Deputy Secretary of Defense McNaughton in 1966, the US committed to an annual aid level of 134 million dollars for five years. Although the economy has improved in recent years, Turkey will need significant amounts of foreign economic aid at least until the mid-1970s to cope with its development problems.”

Emphasizing that Turkey would continue its US and Western line under a government where the Justice Party and the CHP manage the country, the report stated: “US-Turkish relations have entered a transition period in which it will become increasingly difficult to achieve the goal of maintaining limited US military access to Turkey. Increasing tensions may also be experienced in mutual friendship. However, as long as Turks continue to believe that the US will fulfill its commitments and one of the two major political parties controls the Turkish government, Turkey will not significantly change its fundamental Western alignment and orientation.”

'LEFT OF CENTER' FUELED ANTI-AMERICANISM

It was determined that CHP leader İsmet İnönü pulling the party toward a 'left of center' line also increased anti-Americanism, and it was stated: “The main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), led by the esteemed İsmet İnönü, has also declared itself left of center in recent years. Although less anti-American than the TİP and only partially opposed to NATO, the CHP has tended to encourage leftism and support criticism of Turkish-American relations. The adoption of the 'left of center' slogan, aimed partly at attracting a portion of left-leaning voters and partly as a manifestation of the frustration of not being able to regain control of the government with normal party support, caused a serious rift within the party.”

THE LEFT IS A MINORITY IN TURKEY

Emphasizing that the radical left in Turkey is a small minority, the report stated: “Leftism in Turkey is a minority political movement with a propaganda potential disproportionate to its size. According to the latest nationwide election results, the TİP represents less than three percent of the population. However, it has gained strong influence in the press and universities. It is believed that left-wing propaganda in Turkey receives significant support from communists at home and abroad; the Communist Party itself is banned in Turkey. The campaign against the US, NATO, and the regime receives support from the educated elite, volatile student organizations, organized labor, and, according to rumors, military circles.”

SLOW TO ENGAGE IN PROPAGANDA

In 1969, when the left reached a mass power in Turkey, the US clearly stated in this secret report that it did not see the left as a serious threat to itself.

Anti-Americanism will continue to be exploited by leftists. It is likely that only small groups will participate in hostile demonstrations, such as the recent student protest against the visit of the US Sixth Fleet units to Istanbul; however, even a Turk aware of common goals and values is generally taking a more critical stance toward the US. The Turkish Government has been slow to conduct a counter-propaganda campaign supporting Turkish-American common interests and feels constrained in suppressing left-wing agitators and demonstrators due to the domestic political situation. Therefore, although anti-Americanism in Turkey does not pose an immediate danger to bilateral relations or Turkey's alignment with the West, Americans and American interests may face increasing problems. However, as the American presence gradually decreases with the reduction of personnel and the relocation of facilities from urban areas, public expressions of ill will may decrease.”

News Source: Masum Gök