On this day, 65 years ago, on May 27, 1960 (May 3, 1960 in the lunar calendar), a bloodless military coup occurred in Turkey. Students took to the streets to demonstrate to demand the overthrow of the government On May 27, 1960, Turkey's Prime Minister Adnan Mandelles was ousted today by the armed forces in a bloodless military coup. Lieutenant General Jamal Gelshaal, the man who led the army, navy and air force officials involved in the coup, reassured the Turks on the radio that he did not intend to impose a military dictatorship and promised to "freely and properly elect a constitutional democratic government." Mendelles reportedly attempted to escape and was placed under house arrest along with some other members. A spokesman for the military government that had just taken power in the coup said he would be tried "if there was a solid indictment against him." The coup, which culminated in months of political instability, was sparked by Mandelles 'attempt to outlaw the political activities of the Republican Party led by former President Ismet Inonon. This week, military academy students and student protest supporters held an anti-government demonstration in Ankara. Foreign policy experts generally agree that Turkey will continue to be a firm and reliable ally of the United States and NATO under the new military junta.