Today in History – 22 May

Reply from father to son

İsmet İnönü read the letter his son Erdal sent to him on the elections of May 16, 1950 at the last meeting of the Council of Ministers and wrote the following reply to him on May 22nd:

My dear Erdal,

We just received your letter. Your initial reactions. You write so philosophically, with such kindness and morality. Thank you. I am once again proud of you…

We lost the elections in no small measure… Why did we lose? There are a thousand just and unjust reasons. The foremost of which is the need for change. This is both the innocent and natural desire of a nation. The most troublesome time is the week that elapses after a lost election. That week is now over. Two days from now, the new president and government will be elected. At 6:30 PM, I will congratulate the new president. Thankfully, this week has passed without any turbulence.

You know well how, over the last five years, politicians have tried to create an air of animosity against me. As soon as the election results came out, people from everywhere tried to sympathize with us. Some even say that the public feels a sense of wrongdoing against us. There is only one important aspect of this; they have not succeeded in imposing animosity against the İnönü family. Our prestige has only grown here and abroad. You will rightfully take pride in the name you carry.

This election has proved how serious and sincere we were in our endeavors to establish a new way of life in our country. It has been an honor, for our country and for all of us.

We are always well. We kiss you on the eyes.

Thank you, my dear Erdal.