12 SEPTEMBER JUNTA REGIME IN TURKEY FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF BRITISH DIPLOMATS, 1980-1983
Authors: Yeşilbursa Behçet Kemal 
Published: December 2024

1980 witnessed the third military takeover in the history of modern Turkey. Had the takeover not happened, the year might have been remembered as that of the new policy for economic recovery, introduced by the minority Demirel Government in January 1980. However, that was all Demirel had achieved. Parliament reached stalemate, failing even to elect a new President. Governmental control steadily weakened, and political violence increased. The Generals took over on 12 September to end the violence, amidst general relief. The effect was instantaneous: Operations against the extremists were prosecuted vigorously, and the Junta won its first victory.
But having constituted themselves the sole legislative authority the Generals had undertaken a heavy responsibility. They cleared the more important bills stuck in Parliament, and continued the previous Government's economic policy somewhat effectively, in particular encouraging the IMF and OECD countries to proffer further aid. Nevertheless, exports were slow to respond, and the balance of payments, deficit and foreign debts did not decrease. Recovery in even 4-5 years' time looked optimistic.
Political activity had been banned and the security forces could be rough. But the press was not censored, and action had been taken against some members of the security forces accused of ill- treating suspects. The Generals were faced with the more challenging task of the return to normalcy, to which they had committed themselves. A Civilian Government was appointed on 21 September. Work had begun on a revised constitution. On 15 January1981, General Evren announced the intention to convene a Constituent Assembly between 30 August and 29 October of that year.
In Foreign Affairs, the Association Agreement with the EC was reactivated. The Turks facilitated the resumption of civil aviation in the Aegean; the return of Greece, with whom relations improved, to the NATO military structure; and the reopening of the Cyprus intercommunal talks. They adopted a determined stance on the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. In the war between Iraq and Iran, their two main oil suppliers, they maintained in public a neutral position. Their relations with the West were overshadowed by the imposition of visas by the West Germans and some others, and by what Turks regarded as undue concern in the Council of Europe and elsewhere with their management of their own affairs. Nevertheless, what assets Britain had with Turkey were effectively used. 1981 was being celebrated as Ataturk year. It would show whether his principles combined with military authority and Turkish common sense would be a sufficient preparation for the next step in the Turkish experiment in democracy.
The Ataturk year celebrations were used to stimulate patriotic feelings and popular support for the Generals. On the whole, the year saw positive outcomes. Law and order were further consolidated, and the economy made considerable progress, with the upward trend in exports continuing strongly. Turkey remained heavily in debt, but due to rescheduling, it started the New Year with an improved credit rating. The Generals' promised Constituent Assembly, which had been selected not elected, convened in October. They also announced a long considered new Universities Law which gave the Government greater administrative control.