243. Telegram From the Embassy in Turkey to the Department of State1
2445. Re Istanbul telegram 910 to Department.2 I saw Prime Minister Menderes, Birgi and Esenbel together evening April 23 for almost hour and half conversation. I conveyed orally precisely sense Deptels 24163 and 2469.4 I stressed that my remarks were not a USG proposal or plan but rather observations for study and future consultation with idea they might lead finally solution Cyprus problem.
The Prime Minister remarked when I finished that his government would study my presentation (of which they made minute, [Page 477] careful notes) point by point and he would give me Turkish observations very soon.
My presentation was received completely dead-pan.
When I reached point about independence, Birgi completed two sentences for me before I could do so. First instance, he anticipated word “independence”. Second time he supplied “within British Commonwealth”. This makes me think my remarks were not surprise for them.
I tried lay groundwork for later consultations and appeals, repeating Department’s idea Turks statesmanship, restraint, and need for calm atmosphere to work out solution. Prime Minister then emphasized there limit on restraint beyond which cannot go. That limit has been reached. He stated Greeks are making categorical, dogmatic claims publicly which are freezing Greek position, satisfying Greek public opinion. Prime Minister said must now face up political requirements here in Turkey.
On conclusion my remarks, Prime Minister asked me how much of my remarks he could pass on to parliamentary groups and how much use in parliamentary debate. I replied I had not foreseen his query and so did not have the answer. I ventured the opinion, however, that Washington would not want its ideas disclosed to parliamentary groups or used in Assembly debate.
I said I felt that would violate very purpose USA efforts and prevent USA and Turkey make headway this problem.
Prime Minister then stressed he has delayed for fifteen days answering parliamentary inquiry, that his preliminary remarks will no longer hold situation, that he must make suitable reply Assembly. In his reply he must clarify the views, intentions and policy his government order to protect Turkish position in light Greek buildup.
I believe Prime Minister doubtless will discuss my presentation with his confidants in government but discussions with parliamentary groups and parliamentary debate are still of great importance to USG.
Will Department inform Embassy urgently what can be said to Prime Minister regarding use of my remarks in Assembly and in parliamentary group discussions?
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 747C.00/4–2457. Secret; Niact. Repeated to Athens, London, Paris, Rome, Belgrade, Nicosia, Istanbul, Izmir, and Iskenderrun.↩
- Telegram 910, April 23, noted that Warren was trying to arrange an appointment to see Menderes. (Ibid., 123 Warren, Fletcher)↩
- Printed as telegram 7312, Document 241.↩
- Telegram 2469, April 20, instructed the Embassy to transmit orally the substance of telegram 2416 to the Turkish Government. (Department of State, Central Files, 747C.00/4–1857) This was intended as a reply to the Turkish aide-mémoire of April 4 (see Document 238).↩