United States | Wire to Turkey

[Odinson]

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OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE​

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ENCRYPTED MESSAGE​

TO: Turhan Tayan, Minister of National Defense of the Republic of Türkiye ( Jay )

FROM: Robert M. Gates, Secretary of Defense of the United States of America

Minister Tayan,

I am reaching out to you at the direction of the White House. I am aware, as I know that you are too, that the United States and Türkiye have taken numerous steps to not only standardize relations between our countries, but form a strong friendship between our governments. I am reaching out to you in the hopes that we can take another step. The Air Force has a vested interest in permanently stationing an Air Mobility Squadron of refueling aircraft at Incirlik Air Base. Is this something that your Ministry, and your government, would be willing to consider? In return for permitting the Air Force to operate these units out of Incirlik, the Air Force would also be willing to establish a joint long-range radar facility Türkiye for the detection of ballistic missiles and aircraft.

I look forward to hearing back from you.​

Very Respectfully,

Robert M. Gates
Secretary of Defense
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[Jay]

Dışişleri Bakanlığı Ministry of Foreign Affairs​

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

[Recipient]: Secretary of Defense < Odinson > [Sender]: Minister of National Defense, Türkiye < TTTayanMSB@tr.gov > [Subject]: Confidential // Status of Forces Agreement

Secretary Gate, Thank you for your email. I've been informed of the number of efforts undertaken by our respective governments to intensify our partnership and to form a strong friendship between our two countries. We previously discussed something similar to this latest proposal in my email exchange earlier this year. My Government is definitely interested in a joint long-range radar facility and would find the use of Incirlik by the U.S. to be acceptable. We would be happy to discuss this in person or through your preferred communication system. As I echoed in my previous email, please know that I, and many within our government, view the United States as Türkiye’s natural friend. Whether it be American or Turkish servicemembers, as long as I serve as Minister, I will do my utmost to ensure that our cooperation reflects the spirit of brotherhood that has long bound our nations before the crises that preceded our government. With the assurances of my highest consideration, Turhan Tayan Minister of National Defense Republic of Türkiye