12 September in Turkey, Before and After

12 September in Turkey, Before and After

General Secretariat of the National Security Council

Ongun Kardesler

At the beginning of 1919 the Ottoman Empire was breaking apart at the seams as a result of the tremendous blows it had received in the First World War. The army, heavily defeated, was bereft of arms and ammunition, and the whole nation was exhausted and impoveris hed. Those who had dragged the country into the conflict had fled abroad to save their lives and aggressive forces which wanted to enslave the Turkish nation had invaded parts of Anatolia. The minorities, who had lived together with the mass of the nation for centuries, were attempting to undermine the state, by both over and covert means.

The moribund Ottoman state had already been dismembered. What was left of a once great empire was a piece of the "Fatherland" inhabited by a relatively small number of Turks, and forces with malevolent designs on the Turkish nation were engaged in attempts to carve up this piece of territory as well. The Ottoman state and Independence, the Sultan, the Caliph, the Government... all these terms and concepts had lost their meaning.
For the Turkish people, who had lived an independence ...

Table of Contents

Preface

Chapter I
Birth of the Turkish Republic / 1
Towards the National goal / 3
New Constitutional Order / 5
Abuse of Freedom / 6

Chapter II
Periods of Above-Party Governments / 10
Democracy; a System of Virtues / 10
Confessions Have No End in Politics / 11

Chapter III
Other Problems Outstanding in the Present Period / 15
Partisan Attitudes and illegal Organizations / 15

Chapter IV
The Years before Intervention, 12 September 1980 / 19
Legislative Assemblies Convene / 19
Time wasting in Parliament / 21
Turkish Press of 1977 / 23
Parliament Paralysed / 24
Needs of the Country / 25
1977: A year of Economic Crisis and Rising Living Costs / 26

Chapter V
The Start Of 1978 / 31
Domestic Peace the Top Priority / 31
Fruitless Arguments Continue / 32
Regulation of Parliament / 32
A Strange Attitude / 34
Terrorism Goes On / 37
More Bloodshed / 38
Massacre at Umraniye / 39
Terrorism and Strikes Hand in Hand / 45
Fruitless Arguments and Statements / 46
Insolence against Ataturk and National Holidays / 52
Schoolteachers Chosen as Target / 53
Attempts of Assassination Aganist Military Judge / 54
Split in the Police / 55
Massacre at Kahramanmaras / 56
Quotations / 59
Realities Overlooked / 66
Appraisal of the Turkish Press for 1978 / 69
Price Increases / 70
Frightening Anarchy / 70
Warnings by the Armed Forces in 1978 / 71

Chapter VI
A Short Review of 1979 / 72
Regressing / 76
Journalists Target of Terrorism / 80
Joint Statement of Turkish Press / 81
Call for Unity / 87
Turkey in Foreign Press / 91
Anarchy and More Anarchy / 92
Parliament / 93
Rebellion Against the State / 95
Explanation of Opinions through Newspaper Advertisements / 96
V Opinions of Political Parties / 100
Presidents warning Commented Upon by Foreign Press / 100
Suffering from Depression / 101
Position of SEE's in 1979 / 103
Murders and Woundings / 104
Parliamentary Activities of the 1978-1979 Period / 107
'We are capable of destroying a handful of deviants in a single instant / 108
Authority Given you by the Law of Domestic Services / 109
Political Parties on the Eve of Elections / 110
Anarchy on the Eve of Elections / 115

Chapter VII
14 October Elections / 117
New Government Being Formed / 118
New Prime Minister Designated / 119
Republic Day Ceremonies / 123
A Bitter Reality / 124
Turkey in Foreign Press Following By-elections /126

Chapter VIII
New Government in Office / 132
Unending Fight / 132
Demands by Workers and Employers / 135
Government Programme at the National Assembly / 135
Incidents during 10 Days / 139
Statement by Prime Minister / 143
Prime Minister Goes On / 144
Terror and Allegations / 147
Squabble Goes On / 149
Last Days of the Year / 150
Army's Warning in 1979 / 152
The Press Evaluates 1979 / 152

Chapter IX
Turkey in 1980 / 159
Survival of the Republic / 159
Taris Incidents / 169
Martial Law Debate at the Assemblies / 171
Discussions on 1980 Budget / 174
"100"the Day of the Government Over / 180
Presidential Elections. / 181
Tarsus Incidents / 181

Chapter X
Parliament and the Leaders / 183
A Hope for a New Dialogue / 184
Anarchy Continues Escalating / 185
Who's Responsible? / 188
Enough! / 189
"Patriotism and the Rational Way" / 190
A Case of Perversion / 192
Corum Events / 193
Incidents Spread to Districts / 145
Account of the Incidents by Interior Minister / 195
Barrels of Terrorism Directed on the Parliament / 197
Operation in Fatsa / 199
Assassination of Nihat Erim / 199
"Stop These Arguments" / 199
Call for Unification / 200

Chapter XI
Leaders and Defunct Parliament / 203

Chapter XII
"The Nation in Deep Pain" / 209
30 August and the Chairman of a Political Party / 211

Chapter XIII
First Half of September 1980 / 213
Show of Force by Reactionism / 215
Tragic Breakdown of 10 Months / 217

Chapter XIV
Cortain Opens at Last / 219
And Ataturk Said / 220
The August Turkish Nation / 221
Ataturk's Message to the Armed Forces of the Turkish Republic on 29 October 1938 / 222
Short Biographies of National Security Council Members / 223
Internal Service Code of the Turkish Armed Forces / 224
Radio-Television Speech of Head of State general Kenan Evren upon takeover of the Administration / 225
Head of State general Kenan’s Oath of Office / 233
National Security Council Members' Oath of Office / 234
Inscription in the Honour Book at Ataturk's Mausoleum upon the Takeover of the Administration / 234

Chapter XV
After 12 September / 237
Goals / 237
Initial Measures / 238
Impartial Administration / 241
Attaining Social Justice-Reviving Production and Industrial Life / 242
Improvement of Public Services / 244

Chapter XVI
Towards a Peaceful Life / 245
Struggle against Anarchy and Terror / 245
Faked Tapes on Illegal Courts / 246
Integration between the State and the People / 246
Mask Unveiled / 247
What Was the Strategem? / 249
Armed Right-wing Organisations / 250

Chapter XVII
The First Eight Months / 253
Table of Contents VII

Chapter XVIII
On The Path to Economic Development / 261
National Income and Economic growth / 261
Production / 263
Developments in Money-Credit / 267
Foreign Economic Relations / 271
Public Finance / 273
Price Trends / 276
Employment / 278
Conclusion / 280

Chapter XIX
On the Path to Social and Cultural Development / 281
Return to Kemalist Education / 281
Training of the Teachers in a Progressive Manner / 284
Other Measures / 284

Chapter XX
On the Path to the Establishment of Democracy / 289
Law of the Constituent Assembly / 289
Following Steps / 290

Chapter XXI
Head of State General Kenan Evren's Lectures and Statements Press Conference (16 September 1980) / 291
Speech at the war Academy (30 September 1980) / 301
Excerpts from Speech in Van (2 October 1980) / 304
Excerpts from Speech in Agri (2 October 1980) / 304
Excerpts from Speech in Diyarbakir (14 October 1980) / 305
Excerpts from Speech in Eskisehir (19 November    1980) / 306
Speech Opening "Ataturk Year" (5 January 1981) / 307
Excerpts from Speech in Konya (15 January 1981) / 317
Excerpts from Speech in Adana (16 January 1981) / 320
Excerpts from Speech in Kahramanmaras (17 Januray 1981) / 320
Excerpts from Speech in Manisa (28 March 1981) / 321
Excerpts from Speech in Alasehir (28 March 1981) / 323
Speech to Turkish Workers in Federal Germany ZDF—TV (28 March 1981) / 324
Speech on National Sovereignty and Children's Day at Grand National Assembly (23 April 1981) / 327
Speech in Samsun on Youth and Sports Day (19 May 1981) / 330
Excerpts from Speech in Amasya (12 June 1981) / 336
Excerpts from Speech in Erzurum (24 July 1981) / 337
Excerpts from Speech in Sivas (4 September 1981) / 338
Radio-TV Speech 12 September (12 September 1981) / 338
Radio-Television Speech on the Dissolution of Political Parties (16 October 1981) / 368
Speech on the Inauguration of the Consultative Assembly (23 October 1981) / 372

Chapter XXII
Towards a Contemporary and Happy Turkey under the Light of Ataturk S Reforms and Principles / 381

PREFACE

The Turkish Armed Forces intervened on 12 September 1980 to take over the administration of the country in accordance with its Internal Service Act which assigns to them the responsibility of ’’safeguarding and protecting the Turkish Republic”.
What sort of conditions prevailed in the country to prompt them to assume the running of the state, despite the fact that their great leader, Kemal Ataturk, had always shown the greatest concern that the Armed Forces should keep above, and stay out of, politics ?

From the ordinary conscripts to the highest-ranking commanders, the Turkish Armed Forces as a whole have always remained loyal to Kemalism, to Ataturk, to all his teachings and principles, and have never deviated from the path Ataturk set out. Further, they have been the most loyal and effective defenders and protectors of Ataturk’s revolution and precepts, as well as the welfare of the Turkish Republic.

The Armed Forces of the Republic are, remaining wholly and deeply loyal to the directives issued by their eternal and superb Commander—in—Chief, have always been meticulous in keeping out of politics’. Still fresh in their memories is the disastrous defeat of the Ottoman Army during the 1911 Balkan War, and they are fully aware how an army, which is involved in politics, can rapidly be divided and disintegrate.

It is incorrect to interpret the Armed Forces’ take-over of the state administration on 12 September 1980 as their entry into the political arena. This action was carried through as an obligation, for there was no other way of preventing the breakdown and destruction of the nation and the state. The whole operation, however, was conducted within the framework of the existing chain of command, based on the principle of absolute obedience, to ensure that the Armed Forces themselves did not get stuck in the quagmire of politics.


I believe that this practical concept is definitive and clear enough. It is inconceivable that the Turkish Armed Forces will ever deviate from the basic principles handed down to them by their founder and great leader, Ataturk.
I would, like to stress again this belief of mine: the Turkish Armed Forces have never nursed political ambitions and have never aspired to be a political force. For they are fully conscious that their paramount duty is'solely to defend the homeland.
Another point, worth emphasising, with proper pride, is this: in no other country have the armed forces been so loyal to, and respectful of, the basic principles of the ’’democratic order”, or been so active in defending and protecting the ’’democratic system.” Whenever the Turkish Armed Forces have been faced with the necessity of ’’safeguarding the Turkish Republic.” they have undertaken this task unhesitatingly and for the sole purpose of preserving the happiness and welfare of the Turkish nation and the integrity of the country. They have always, in the most faithful fashion, worked for the re—establishment of a democratic order, for the fundamental principles of Ataturk and Kemalism, and for a political structure which best suits the Turkish nation and they have always done their utmost to facilitate the introduction of new arrangements to restore the ’’democratic system." And, when they have completed their mission, they have returned to barracks, leaving power in the hands of a civilian administration, in total accordance with the rules of a democratic society.

This same aim lies at the root of the operation of 12 September 1980. In less than a year, the first fruits of the efforts to set up a coherent, forward-looking and consistent ’’democratic syslam" were becoming manifest throughout the nation.
In Turkey, the ’’democratic and parliamentary system” has been operative for over 30 years, since the early 1950s. From time to time, it has run into difficulties and impasses, and in 1980 it was finally paralysed by a combination of political negligence and treason that could have led to the destruction of the nation. The phenomena of this period should be very carefully examined and correctly interpreted, and the appropriate conclusions should be drawn, for future studies of such problems.

I should like to repeat, once again, this basic message to the politicians of yesterday and tomorrow, to those who want to have say in the administration of the country, to the officials of those institutions, which are integral elements of any democratic order, to the whole Turkish youth, and to the dear Turkish nation:
The Kemalist pattern of thought, and the proper pride in being a Turk, lie at the heart of the 'Turkish Republic. The principles of Ataturk are the cornerstone of this structure. When these basic principles were strayed from, fratricidal and separatist movements began to emerge in the country. If Ataturk’s principles are not followed faithfully and conscientiously, and if these are not accepted as the basic pillars of the Turkish Republic, it will be impossible for a modem, civilised, healthy, consistent, humane and stable state administration to function.

It leas tile grave deviations from the path that I have described that necessitated the implementation of the 12 September 1980 operation throughout the country.
This book sets forth, in an unbiased manner, the real reason for the 12 September operation by adducing documents and recounting events, in evidence. It is not an “apologia” of the 12 September administration. It is a brief impartial and documentary description of the struggle of our country and our people, from 1919 to the 1980s, to establish an independent and honourable parliamentary democratic republic. Furthermore, this book will also be a reference—book for future generations, to prevent the repetition of the chaotic days, which the nation has recently experienced.

I have no doubt that our great nation will march even faster, along the path of sound modern and progressive achievements, in the direction shown by our superb leader, Ataturk. 1 am also fully confident that the Turkish Armed Forces, the indivisible and essential element of the nation, will continue to fulfil the honourable tasks befalling them tomorrow, just as they are doing today, under Ataturk’s inspiration.
I am proud, to dedicate this book to the heroic Armed Forces of Turkey, who are always at the service of this great nation, imbued with a real spirit of self—sacrifice, loyalty and patriotism.

Kenan Evren
General Head of State
Chairman of the National Security Council
Chief of General Staff

Chapter I
The Birth of the Turkish Republic

At the beginning of 1919 the Ottoman Empire was breaking apart at the seams as a result of the tremendous blows it had received in the First World War. The army, heavily defeated, was bereft of arms and ammunition, and the whole nation was exhausted and impoveris hed. Those who had dragged the country into the conflict had fled abroad to save their lives and aggressive forces which wanted to enslave the Turkish nation had invaded parts of Anatolia. The minorities, who had lived together with the mass of the nation for centuries, were attempting to undermine the state, by both over and covert means.
The moribund Ottoman state had already been dismembered. What was left of a once great empire was a piece of the "Fatherland" inhabited by a relatively small number of Turks, and forces with malevolent designs on the Turkish nation were engaged in attempts to carve up this piece of territory as well. The Ottoman state and Independence, the Sultan, the Caliph, the Government... all these terms and concepts had lost their meaning.

For the Turkish people, who had lived an independence throughout history, this was an ineluctable issue of honour.
But during this period a new national hero and saviour emerged from the heart of the nation to enter the annals of history Mustafa Kemal. The new leader devoted himself to the liberation of his follow— countrymen, proclaiming that the only solution was to wage a struggle to "form a new independent Turkish state based on national sovereignty." He explained the fundamental principles of this struggle in the following terms:

"The main objective is the survival of the Turkish people as an honourable and dignified nation. This can only be achieved through absolute independence. Any nation deprived of its independence, no matter how rich and prosperous it may be, is destined to become the servant of civilised humanity. But the Turks honour and capabilities are extremely great... a nation with such virtues would prefer to die than to live in enslavement. Thus, freedom or death..."

…..

GSNSC

12 September in Turkey, Before And After

Ongun Kardesler

Ongun Kardesler Printing House
12 September in Turkey
Before And After
General Secretariat of the
National Security Council

Prepared by the General Secretariat of the
National Security Council.
Printed By Ongun Kardesler Printing House
July 1982 Ankara