United States | Message to Turkey

[Odinson]

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OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT​

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ENCRYPTED MESSAGE​

TO: The National Security Council of The Republic of Turkey ( Jay )​

FROM: Richard Blumenthal, Vice President of the United States of America

Generals and Admiral,

I have been at the White House with President Sinclair and the Secretary of State all morning. We have been discussing the ongoing situation in your country and - speaking on behalf of myself, the President, and the American People - we all hope that your upcoming elections go smoothly. If there is anything that the United States can do to assist the Republic of Turkey during this provisional period, do not hesitate to reach out to the State Department or to the White House directly. Furthermore, President Sinclair has asked me to reach out to three of you directly on his behalf regarding the status of diplomatic relations between the United States and Turkey.

The President feels that it is important that diplomatic relations between the United States and Turkey are reestablished as soon as possible. We understand that the economic situation in Turkey is in a dire state and that things are, in many ways, near a breaking point. Once a democratic government is elected and is legally and legitimately given sovereign authority in Turkey, the United States government has a plan which we would like to propose to the new government. While I cannot go into exact details, there could be a potential to inject $10-$30-billion into the Turkish government and the economy in one lump sum. There would, of course, be some contingencies, but that is for later discussion.

With that being said, the United States cannot have formal diplomatic relations with the National Security Council as it is only a provisional government. However, the White House and the State Department agree that time is of the essence when it comes to the Turkish economy. What we are proposing is that, with your permission, the State Department be permitted to establish a "Special Diplomatic Mission" in Ankara. In the context of the United States Department of State, a Special Diplomatic Mission is a temporary diplomatic mission. The mission would be led by a designated Special Envoy who would serve as the temporary head of mission. The staff and security of the mission would be a limited skeleton crew.

This step would allow an American representative to get situated and prepare an immediate proposal for the newly-elected Turkish government. Also, if the new government so chooses, the mission could be made permanent and turned into an embassy at a later date. Former American Ambassador to Turkey Aiden Hawkins is our choice as the Special Envoy.

Is this something that the National Security Council can agree to? If so, is there a subordinate individual who our Secretary of State can contact to iron out the details? I look forward to hearing back from you all.​

Very Respectfully,

Richard Blumenthal
Vice President of the United States
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[Jay]

Millî Güvenlik Kurulu National Security Council​

AUTHENTIC COMMUNIQUE OF THE OFFICE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS Security Clearance: Secure and Encrypted ŞİFRELEME KORUMASI: KAPLUĞA​

[Recipient]: Richard Blumenthal, Vice President of the United States of America < Odinson >[Sender]: National Security Council, Türkiye <Millîgüvenlikkurulu@tr.gov > [Subject]: Confidential

Dear Mr. Vice President, On behalf of the National Security Council of the Republic of Türkiye, I extend our appreciation for your message. We are grateful for your expression of support regarding the upcoming electoral process and for your stated willingness to assist during this transitional period. The National Security Council is a constitutional body acting within the framework of the Turkish Constitution. It has assumed governance following the removal of the previous regime, with the stated aim of restoring order, ensuring public safety, and securing the constitutional path forward. This Council is committed to safeguarding the sovereignty, unity, and secular republican values of Türkiye principles laid down by the founder of our Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. We recognize the value of constructive engagement. In this regard, the Council notes with interest the proposal of the United States to establish a Special Diplomatic Mission in Ankara. We understand the practical and diplomatic utility of such a mechanism and are prepared to consider the establishment of a temporary presence, under appropriate terms and with mutual respect for sovereignty. To that end, we are prepared to open a channel of communication with the U.S. Department of State to further examine the proposal and assess its alignment with the constitutional mandate currently in effect. The National Security Council remains committed to enabling a peaceful and legitimate return to civilian governance, under conditions that ensure stability, security, and the long-term interests of the Republic. It is our firm belief that the United States can play a supportive role by engaging with the constitutionally recognized institutions of Türkiye in a manner that is measured, respectful, and forward-looking. The National Security Council is ready to accept a special envoy that is accredited with the appropriate diplomatic privileges to operate from a temporary diplomatic mission. The National Security Council will not however permit tactical or intelligence operatives to be stationed in this temporary diplomatic mission and urge the special envoy to avoid the precieved interference in Türkiye's internal affairs If these conditions are acceptable, the National Security Council is ready to accept the accreditation of Aiden Hawkins as special envoy to the Republic of Türkiye. Please accept, Mr. Vice President, the assurances of our highest consideration. On behalf of the National Security Council General Nuri İnönü Deputy Secretary-General National Security Council of the Republic of Türkiye Ankara

 

[Odinson]

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OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE​

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ENCRYPTED MESSAGE​

TO: National Security Council, Republic of Türkiye ( Jay )​

FROM: Luke Adams, Secretary of State of the United States of America

Generals and Admiral,

President Sinclair has just signed an order which designates Aiden Hawkins as the United States's Special Envoy to the Republic of Turkey. I have confirmed that order and assisted him in choosing a few key members of staff. Special Envoy Hawkins previously served as the United States's ambassador to Turkey. He knows the former embassy in Ankara well. However, if you wish for him to run his temporary mission out of a different building, that would be acceptable as well. In addition to Special Envoy Hawkins, we would also like to send the following staff with him:
50 diplomatic staff and administrators;
10 armed Marines from the United States Marine Corps Security Group;
5 armed special agents with the United States Diplomatic Security Service.

If the admittance of these 66 individuals is acceptable, I will ensure that their paperwork is in order and we will begin the process of sending them to Turkey.​

Best regards,

Luke Adams
Secretary of State
​

 

[Jay]

Millî Güvenlik Kurulu National Security Council​

AUTHENTIC COMMUNIQUE OF THE OFFICE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS Security Clearance: Secure and Encrypted ŞİFRELEME KORUMASI: KAPLUĞA​

[Recipient]: Luke Adams, Secretary of State of the United States of America < Odinson > [Sender]: National Security Council, Türkiye <Millîgüvenlikkurulu@tr.gov > [Subject]: Confidential

Dear Mr. Adams, I trust this message finds you well. We have received and reviewed your communication regarding the appointment of Aiden Hawkins as the United States's Special Envoy to the Republic of Türkiye. We extend our congratulations to Special Envoy Hawkins on his new role and are pleased to welcome him back to Ankara. We are confident that his experience as the former Ambassador to Türkiye will contribute to the continued strength of our diplomatic relations. Regarding the proposed mission and accompanying personnel, we would like to confirm that the use of the former U.S. Embassy in Ankara is indeed appropriate. Additionally, we acknowledge and accept the proposed personnel comprising 50 diplomatic staff and administrators, 10 armed Marines, and 5 special agents from the Diplomatic Security Service. We appreciate your transparency and would like to note that the National Security Council (NSC) will coordinate the approval of diplomatic visas for all 56 personnel and military visas for the 10 armed Marines, as per your request. Please note, as a reminder, that Türkiye maintains a strict policy prohibiting the import of heavy weapons into the country, even for diplomatic missions, unless a pressing need can be justified. Therefore, we kindly request that the U.S. Government fully disclose the types of arms or weaponry being brought into the country to ensure compliance with Turkish law. With these conditions understood, we are ready to facilitate Special Envoy Hawkins and his team in beginning their mission at the earliest convenience. Türkiye remains committed to fostering a constructive and productive dialogue with the United States, and we look forward to the continued advancement of our bilateral relationship. Additionally, we would like to propose the establishment of a reciprocal mission in Washington D.C. to further strengthen our diplomatic ties. We'd like to designate Former General Ali Rıza Artunkal as Türkiye’s Special Envoy to the United States, supported by a diplomatic staff of 25 civil servants and 10 personnel from the Gendarmerie’s personal security service. We are confident that this mission will further reinforce the mutual respect and cooperation between our nations. Please let us know if any additional steps are required on our end to ensure a smooth transition and the successful launch of these diplomatic efforts. We look forward to hearing from you soon. On behalf of the National Security Council General Nuri İnönü Deputy Secretary-General National Security Council of the Republic of Türkiye Ankara

 

[Odinson]

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OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE​

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ENCRYPTED MESSAGE​

TO: General Nuri İnönü, National Security Council, Republic of Türkiye ( Jay )​

FROM: Luke Adams, Secretary of State of the United States of America

General İnönü,

After several incidents sine 1995 at American embassies, the State Department has coordinated with the United States Marine Corps Security Group to provide protection of American embassies and diplomatic missions around the world. While the primary responsibility of defending a diplomatic outpost falls on the host nation, Marine Corps Security Group are there to defend diplomatic missions in the event of significant domestic turmoil, during times of war or internal conflict in the host nation, and in the event of worst-case scenarios; they also serve as a visible deterrent to any lone actors who may see an American diplomatic outpost as a soft target.

With that being said, Marines are only deployed to diplomatic outposts with small arms, such as pistols and shoulder-fired weapons. Marine Corps Security Group do not utilize explosives, with the exception of non-lethal explosives such as stun grenades that are meant to temporarily immobilize targets, tear gas, and smoke grenades which utilize a non-toxic gas that is meant to provide cover. Below is a list of the small arms that Marine Corps Security Forces will have in a secure armory:

-M4A1 Carbine,
-M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle,
-Designated Marksman Rifles,
-Beretta M9A1,
-Remington 870 (including non-lethal rounds such as rubber bullets),
-M320 (used to fire tear gas or smoke grenades).

President Sinclair has approved the establishment of a mutual diplomatic mission in Washington D.C., located at the former Turkish mission located at:
2525 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008.

Once you give your final approval, we will begin the process of sending our diplomats and all associated staff to establish the mission.​

Best regards,

Luke Adams
Secretary of State
​

 

[Jay]

Millî Güvenlik Kurulu National Security Council​

AUTHENTIC COMMUNIQUE OF THE OFFICE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS Security Clearance: Secure and Encrypted ŞİFRELEME KORUMASI: KAPLUĞA​

[Recipient]: Luke Adams, Secretary of State of the United States of America < Odinson > [Sender]: National Security Council, Türkiye <Millîgüvenlikkurulu@tr.gov > [Subject]: Confidential

Dear Mr. Adams, I trust this message finds you well. We have received and reviewed your communication regarding the use of the Marine element at your diplomatic missions. The National Security Council fully understands the need for security at American diplomatic missions and fully recognizes the threat posed to American foreign service officers while deployed abroad. Please be assured that our Diplomatic Mission Protection Division, which handles 24/7 physical security and response for consulates and embassies, are prepare to faithfully carry out their dutyto protect the exterior of the mission. Türkiye fully understands that these risks are given the targeting, and tragically at times successful, targeting of Turkish diplomats by Armenian and Kurdish terrorist organizations, including the assassination of a Turkish diplomat in Somerville, Massachusetts. The proposed list is acceptable and the appropriate import licenses for the weapons to come in as diplomatic cargo will be arranged. We appreciate the approval of a mutual diplomatic mission in Washington D.C. and would like to request a contingent of 15 armed DMKK Officers to be apart of our diplomatic mission. Additionally we request permission to bring the following weapons to be securely stored within the diplomatic premises or on the body of the DMKK officers in their lawful duties escorting and protecting Turkish diplomats. -M4A1 Carbine, -HK33E -MSG90 -Yavuz 16 -Mossberg 500/590 If all is acceptable, and the conditions reciprocated, the NSC approves this exchange of diplomats and diplomatic relations. We look forward to hearing from you soon. On behalf of the National Security Council General Nuri İnönü Deputy Secretary-General National Security Council of the Republic of Türkiye Ankara

 

[Odinson]

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OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE​

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ENCRYPTED MESSAGE​

TO: General Nuri İnönü, National Security Council, Republic of Türkiye ( Jay )​

FROM: Luke Adams, Secretary of State of the United States of America

General İnönü,

As the chief diplomat of the United States, I approve those weapons to be utilized by DMKK officers in their lawful duties in defending the embassy. On behalf of the White House, we look forward to the establishment of your temporary mission in Washington as we establish ours in Turkey. Hopefully this will be the start of a fruitful rekindling of our national relationship and will lead to permanent embassies in both of our capitals.

In the meantime, if you need anything from my office, do not hesitate to reach out.​

Best regards,

Luke Adams
Secretary of State
​

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Private​

Within the hour of getting approval from the Secretary of State, Special Envoy Aiden Hawkins met with President Sinclair in the Oval Office and, less than an hour later, departed with 50 diplomatic staff and administrators as well as 10 United States Marines and 5 Diplomatic Security Service special agents; destination Ankara, Turkey. Special Envoy Hawkins, once in Turkey, would waste no time after going through customs in Turkey and would reoccupy the former American Embassy there with his staff and the Marines. First, the Marines performed a security check and the DSS agents swept the building for bugs or other listening devices. A thorough search was done while secure communications equipment, secure American computers and printers, and the limited number of weapons were unloaded in front of the building and eventually brought inside.

From the moment that Hawkins first walked into the former embassy and looked around, the building was a functioning diplomatic mission within about eight hours.

 

[Jay]

Private

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Within an hour of receiving formal authorization from the Untied States, Special Envoy Ali Rıza Artunkal was escorted through the main gates of the National Security Council to finalize his orders from the Secretary General.

By evening, the retired general and his immediate staff would meet to discuss their arrangements. The general was briefed on the United States including its political history and current situation. The general had the discipline of a lifelong soldier, and was rather uniqely equipped to deal with this high level of bureaucrayc as he was onboarded.

Within a few days, the Turkish diplomatic officers, their dependents, and the DMKK security officials would all board a military-chartered flight from Esenboğa Airport.


Upon landing at Dulles International Airport, the delegation moved through the security lane, presenting their diplomatic passports. Turkish consular staff pre-cleared customs and logistical hurdles days prior through the State Department. A convoy of black SUVs waited to escort them to the diplomatic mission.

Artunkal made a stop to a local bookstore while the DMKK Gendarmerie security team went to the Embassy. They conducted a full security sweep of the building room by room, floor by floor, checking for unauthorized surveillance devices, structural weaknesses, or other threats.

By the time Ambassador Artunkal arrived and stepped through the arched stone entrance of the shuttered embassy, the early light of dawn was beginning to crawl over the streets of Washington. The building smelled of dust and absence. A bronze plaque bearing the crescent and star remained tarnished but intact beside the front gate.

“Let’s bring this place back to life,” he muttered in Turkish, his voice firm. The civil servants polished the bronze plaque, restored the facade of the building, and the red Turkish flag was unfurled and raised before the first full sunrise.

Meanwhile, heavy crates marked “T.C. DIŞİŞLERİ” were offloaded onto the front steps and wheeled inside. Inside them are encrypted Turkish communications systems, diplomatic-grade secure terminals, printers, and personal gear. One case bore the embossed seal of the National Security Council, it contained the official presidential credentials, signed and sealed, recognizing Artunkal’s temporary authority.

Power was restored to the embassy’s core systems, offices were claimed by evening the mission was operational. He watched as one of his staff unfurled a white banner with red lettering across the interior foyer, reading out TÜRKİYE CUMHURİYETİ WASHINGTON BÜYÜKELÇİLİĞİ.

“Notify the State Department,” he said calmly. “Tell them we’re open and appreciate their help in clearing customs efficiently.” A secretary nodded as she typed a secure cable to the State Department to that effect.

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The diplomatic passport control line at Ankara Esenboğa Airport was usually quiet, often now used for Turkish politicans travelling throughout the country and guests of the armed forces. As the United States Air Force aircraft taxied to a private hangar just before sunrise. The door opened to a dry, pre-dawn Anatolian breeze.

Waiting for the Americans at the bottom of the ramp was a man in a slate-grey overcoat, gloves folded neatly under one arm. His ID badge bore the seal of the T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye.

He extended his hand as Hawkins stepped down.

“Hoş geldiniz. I’m Haluk Ertem, Undersecretary for American Affairs. I’ll be your liaison during your reestablishment here,” he said in clear, measured English. “Shall we walk?”

Without delay, Haluk led the Americans into the airport’s secure diplomatic corridor. Turkish customs officers, already briefed, stood by. Their faces were polite. They cross-checking documents with pre-approved lists, speaking in Turkishw ith Haluk, who waved the properly labeled diplomatic pouches through, while other boxes would be given a simple check with a dog sniffer.

One of the customs officers gave each of the passports a stamp and handed them to the Americans. Within twenty minutes, the group was cleared. Outside the private terminal, a row of black armored vans and SUVs idled, engines low and pulsing in the cold air. Turkish National Police in blue tactical jackets stood nearby, checking the perimeter. Red and blue lights flashed dimly but continuously.

“Please,” Ertem gestured to Hawkins as they exited the terminal, “these vehicles will take you and your personnel directly to the premises at Besa Kule Business Centre in Çankaya at 1480. Sk. No:1 Çukurambar.”

As they rode in silence through the waking city. When they reached the steel gates of the former American Embassy, framed by high stone walls and dormant ivy, Ertem exited his seperate vehicle and walked over to Hawkins and handed him a folder.

“This is your codebook,” he said. Inside were carefully tabbed sections, each page labeled with a contact list and protocols.

• National Security Council (Active, 24/7 secure line)
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Bureau of American Affairs (Primary diplomatic channel)
• Prime Minister’s Office – Note: Administrative operations suspended at this time. Direct political coordination currently routed through the National Security Council.
• DMKK Command Center (Joint Coordination and Monitoring Division) – Emergency use only. For direct military or strategic alerts.

“We’ve provided you this book and if any changes are made you will be updated promptly. The calls will be encrypted on our side, so they won't recieve any unencrypted and approved lines. If you have any personal cellphones which you use for work, we ask you provide us those numbers to add to the approved lines list,” he said, his tone professional.

From his breast pocket, he produced a crisp business card and handed it personally to Hawkins. “Haluk Ertem, Liaison Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. My personal line is on the back. Call it if there’s an issue, professional, personal, or otherwise. I look forward to working together.”

The gates to the embassy creaked open as the American vehicles and equipment pulled in. He gave a small nod, then turned to leave. “Welcome back to Ankara sir,” he said before entering his vehicle.

Odinson

 

[Odinson]

Private​

The Turkish diplomats were welcomed to Washington D.C. with the utmost courtesy. The Diplomatic Security Service, and to a lesser extent the Secret Service, ensured that the Turkish diplomats arrived safely to their new "temporary" diplomatic outpost in Washington. If the Turks didn't have vehicles already available, the DSS would offer to drive them in unmarked vehicles to their destinations. Waiting inside the old Turkish embassy for Special Envoy Ali Rıza Artunkal was a welcome basket from the State Department which included a variety of common (more high end) American foods and snacks, which all abided by the Islamic religion. A note from Secretary of State Adams was also on Artunkal's desk, which welcomed him to Washington.

In Turkey, Special Envoy Hawkins greeted Undersecretary Haluk Ertem and was happy to make his acquaintance. Hawkins took special care to ensure that the codebook was his and his alone. He also was sure to periodically check in with Undersecretary Ertem to hopefully build a relationship between them; Hawkins probably called once or twice a week for a few minutes to check up on him and passively discuss international geopolitics.

Once the new democratic government was in place in Turkey and the National Security Council had handed back all authority of governance to the civilian government, one of Hawkins's senior staff members reached out to the office of President Abdullah Gül and requested to meet with Gül and be formally recognized as the American representative to Turkey. At the same time, a different member of Hawkins's staff reached out to the office of the new Turkish Prime Minister, Ayşe Çiller, and requested an audience with her after the ceremonial meeting with the President occurred.

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OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES SPECIAL ENVOY TO THE REPUBLIC OF TÜRKIYE​

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ENCRYPTED MESSAGE​

TO: Cevdet Yılmaz, Chief of Staff to the President of the Republic of Türkiye ( Jay )​

FROM: George Aldrich, Deputy Chief of Mission of the United States Special Diplomatic Mission to Türkiye

Chief of Staff Yılmaz,

On behalf of Special Envoy Aiden Hawkins, I congratulate President Gül on his election as the President of the Republic of Türkiye and the return of democratic rule to your country. It is exceptional, if not incredible, for a military-government to willingly turn over control to a civilian government after true, democratic elections. I cannot begin to state how happy the United States is for President Gül, Prime Minister Çiller, and for all of Turkey.

I respectfully request an audience between His Excellency President Gül and Special Envoy Hawkins so that Special Envoy Hawkins may deliver his credentials and be recognized as the official diplomatic representative of the United States to the Republic of Türkiye.​

Respectfully,

George Aldrich
Deputy Chief of Mission

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OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES SPECIAL ENVOY TO THE REPUBLIC OF TÜRKIYE​

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ENCRYPTED MESSAGE​

TO: The Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Türkiye ( Jay )​

FROM: George Aldrich, Deputy Chief of Mission of the United States Special Diplomatic Mission to Türkiye

Good afternoon,

I have reached out to the office of President Gül and requested an audience between him and Special Envoy Hawkins so that Special Envoy Hawkins may deliver his credentials and be recognized as the official diplomatic representative of the United States to the Republic of Türkiye.

If the president's office accepts my request, I am writing to your office to set up a meeting between Special Envoy Hawkins and Prime Minister Çiller to discuss matters of national importance to your country. I hope that this can be arranged and I look forward to hearing back from you.​

Respectfully,

George Aldrich
Deputy Chief of Mission​

​

 

[Jay]

In the marble-lined halls of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ankara, Haluk Ertem spent most of his time adivising the Secretary of State for American Affairs and occasionally spending time bringing Minister Çakı up to speed with the Ministry. He had mentioned that Hawkins had called him occasionally and that the man was extremely kind and polite.

It hadn’t gone unnoticed. The Ministry was sure to provide Hawkins all the appropriate amenities for his posting and would occasionally deliver a basket of Turkish sweets or invite Hawkins and the Embassy staff to take guided tours through the historic Bazaars or historic Turkish palaces from the Ottoman era.

When the American request came through, first to the Office of the Presidency, then mirrored by a similar communication to the Prime Minister’s Office, it arrived wias well recieved.

A diplomat from the Ministry's Protocol Department personally delivered a sealed response to the American mission the next morning. The letter was a signed letter by the President. It confirmed that President Gül would receive Mr. Hawkins at the Presidential Complex for a brief audienece and that he would recieve Hawkins' credietnials to become the official Ambassador.

Separately, the protocol officer informed the Deputy Chief of Mission that Prime Minister Çiller would be available for a separate working audience later that week on Thursday and invited Hawkins to have breakfast at the Prime Minister's residence.

In Washington, Artunkal would be 'recalled' following his tenure in reestablishing diplomatic relations. Serdar Kılıç would be appointed by President Gül to serve as Türkiye's Ambassador. Kılıç, recommended by Minister Çakı, would carry the full faith and confidence of the Government of Türkiye, and similar arrangements as made for Special Representative Hawkins were requested to allow Kılıç to be accredited as Türkiye's Ambassador to the United States.

LETTER PERSONALLY DELIVERED TO SPECIAL ENVOY HAWKINS
PRIVATE​

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On behalf of the Republic of Türkiye, I extend my sincere gratitude for your kind message and for the continued support expressed by Special Envoy Aiden Hawkins and the Government of the United States during this significant moment in our nation’s history.

It is with great appreciation that I accept your request and hereby confirm that I will receive Special Envoy Hawkins for a formal audience at the Çankaya Presidential Complex. At that time, I will be honored to accept his credentials as the official diplomatic representative of the United States to the Republic of Türkiye.

The transition we have undergone, from dictatorship to military rule back to civilian governance, was neither swift nor without pain. It was, at times, bloody and deeply challenging. Yet we remain steadfast in the belief that only a democracy made by Turks, and led by Turks, can serve the enduring interests of our people. Our democratic institutions must reflect our history, culture, and identity tempered by the values of liberty, justice, and the rule of law.

We are heartened to know that the United States stands with us. As a country long regarded as a beacon of democracy and hope, America's continued partnership will be critical as we endeavor to rebuild and reimagine our role in the region and beyond.

I look forward to working closely with you, Special Envoy Hawkins, and soon, as the fully accredited Ambassador of the United States. It is my sincere hope that Türkiye and the United States will together write a new chapter of cooperation founded on mutual respect and a shared commitment to peace, security, and global progress.

Please accept my personal regards, Special Envoy Hawkins. I hope to welcome you to Ankara properly and in the renewed spirit of diplomacy that your mission represents.

With highest consideration,

Abdullah Gül
President
Republic of Türkiye

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Dışişleri Bakanlığı Ministry of Foreign Affairs​

AUTHENTIC COMMUNIQUE OF THE OFFICE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS Security Clearance: Secure and Encrypted ŞİFRELEME KORUMASI: KAPLUĞA​

[Recipient]: Embassy of the United States, Ankara < Odinson > [Sender]: Office of the Chief of Staff, Türkiye < SBÇakıMOFA@tr.gov > [Subject]: Confidential // Invitation to Breakfast with the Prime Minister

Your Excellency Aiden Hawkins Prime Minister Çiller requests the pleasure of your company for a private breakfast at the official residence on the morning of Thursday, at 08:30. This informal gathering will offer an opportunity for the Prime Minister to engage in candid discussion regarding the future of Turkish-American relations, current regional developments, and avenues for deeper strategic cooperation between our two nations. Dress is business casual attire. Kindly confirm your attendance through the Prime Ministry Protocol Office at your earliest convenience. We look forward to welcoming you. With highest regards, Can Yaman Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Republic of Türkiye

@ODI

 

[Odinson]

Private​

Confirmation was sent to both the office of the President and the Prime Minister of Turkey that Special Envoy Hawkins would meet them at the aforementioned designated times. To meet the President, Hawkins was wearing his Sunday-best: a black suit with a white shirt and a dark crimson tie. He was wearing an American flag pin on his lapel and he had on his shiny black dress shoes which he saved for special occasions like this. In the breast pocket of Hawkins's suit jacket was a letter from President Sinclair to President Gül. Three special agents from the Diplomatic Security Service, who made up the protection detail for Hawkins, escorted him to the Çankaya Presidential Complex via private vehicle.

The ride over to the President's residence was a bit tense. Hawkins's chief of staff was sitting next to another member of Hawkins senior staff and a member of the Foreign Service, Sara Brown, who was flicking through a few notecards of important people and policy points that she had been memorizing incase Hawkins or anyone else forgot them. It didn't escape the mind of everyone travelling that they were driving through a country which was economically devastated, indirectly, because of the war that had happened between the allies and Turkey (which led to a communist regime). Hawkins and his staff had felt safe so far, but every time any of them stepped outside or got into a car, they always had to think twice.

The last fifteen minutes of the car ride were pretty quiet until Hawkins said, "Well, on the bright side, there's a non-zero chance that the President rejects my credentials and we all just go home." His chief of staff and Brown both laughed more than they should have, maybe because neither of them slept much the night before. None of them wanted to go home, they all wanted to do their job in Turkey, but being part of a special mission was a bit more stressful than being part of a fully-functioning embassy. They were all looking forward to either being recalled to Washington or being able to establish a formal embassy in Turkey which would have more security and give them protections under international law.

The DSS agents escorted Hawkins as far into the residence as they would let him before he and his chief of staff were turned over to Turkish security for protection.​

Jay