Text of Trump’s letter to Turkish President Erdogan

Text of the letter sent by U.S. President Donald Trump to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Oct. 9, a few days after Trump had ordered U.S. troops out of northern Syria.

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THE WHITE HOUSE

WASHINGTON

October 9, 2019

His Excellency

Recep Tayyip Erdogan

President of the Republic of Turkey

Ankara

Dear Mr. President:

Let’s work out a good deal! You don’t want to be responsible for slaughtering thousands of people, and I don’t want to be responsible for destroying the Turkish economy — and I will. I’ve already given you a little sample with respect to Pastor Brunson.

I have worked hard to solve some of your problems. Don’t let the world down. You can make a great deal. General Mazloum is willing to negotiate with you, and he is willing to make concessions that they would never have made in the past. I am confidentially enclosing a copy of his letter to me, just received.

History will look upon you favourably if you get this done the right and humane way. It will look upon you forever as the devil if good things don’t happen. Don’t be a tough guy. Don’t be a fool!

I will call you later.

Sincerely,

Donald Trump