Office of the Historian

122. Telegram From the Mission in Geneva to the Department of State1

Geneva, August 13, 1964, 11 a.m.

364. From Acheson. Mission tel 356.2 Nikolareisis came to see me last night, much relieved news he had received from Athens that Turks had agreed to cease overflights in Cyprus. He reported Sossides will return Geneva Friday bringing with him definite proposal for Turkish base, map, and at least outline of proposed plan for safeguarding minority under enosis. Said there were “currents in Athens” opposed to continuing along this line but that Prime Minister, Deputy PM Stephanopoulos, Sossides and (with reserves) Costopoulos were “on our side” and determined to go ahead. He said he was pleased Sossides is actively engaged in our affair, describing him as young, intelligent, enthusiastic and close to both PM and Deputy PM.

He commented that Inonu’s message to Papandreou had been constructive and said he had urged Athens to give forthcoming reply.3

We gave Nikolareisis a revised memorandum on minority rights designed to help meet Greek objections to original proposals of July 24 [27]. Asked him not to send it to Athens until we had had opportunity to discuss it with him and Sossides in light of latest Greek ideas which Sossides was bringing. Copies of memorandum being pouched.4

For Department and Ankara only: (Ankara’s 283 to Dept and Dept’s 242 to Ankara.)5 I think Hare’s advice is good, and it is re-enforced by Nikolareisis who urges that we keep talks in our hands in Geneva and that I personally present Greek proposals to Turks. Accordingly, we shall await Erim’s return to make new approach on that side.

Tubby
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 27 CYP. Secret; Priority; Exdis-TAG. Repeated to Ankara, Athens, London, USUN, CIA, DOD, and the White House.↩
  2. Telegram 356 from Geneva, August 12, stressed the desirability of a Presidential statement designed to strengthen Inonu and Papandreou. (Ibid.)↩
  3. See footnote 3, Document 121.↩
  4. Transmitted in airgram A–86 from Geneva, August 14. (Department of State, Central Files, SOC 14 CYP)↩
  5. In telegram 283 from Ankara, August 12, Hare recommended that Acheson outline his proposals directly to Erim in Geneva rather than through the Embassy. (Ibid., POL 27 CYP) Telegram 242 to Ankara, August 12, transmitted the text of Makarios’ letter to President Johnson. (Ibid.)↩