72. Memorandum of Conversation1
SUBJECT
- Cyprus Situation and Greek-Turkish Relations
PARTICIPANTS
-
United States
- The President
- Under Secretary of State Ball
- Ambassador Raymond A. Hare
- Semih Ustun—interpreter
-
Turkey
- Prime Minister Inonu
- Foreign Minister Erkin
- Ambassador Menemencioglu
The President welcomed Prime Minister Inonu and thanked him for coming to Washington to discuss Cyprus and the Greek-Turkish dispute. [Page 147] The President said these questions have been of great concern to the United States and although the United States does not have ready answers for the many problems of the world, it is the responsibility of statesmen to meet and seek ways to find solutions.
As for Cyprus, the President said we do not have a magic formula to offer, but we are prepared to assist Greece and Turkey in finding a solution. He emphasized it would be unwise to engage in hostilities before making every effort to settle the dispute peacefully. He said that with this in mind, we are ready to make available the services of former Secretary of State Dean Acheson to sit down with Greek and Turkish representatives for quiet and frank talks at Camp David. The President was hopeful that such talks could narrow the gap between the two countries.
Prime Minister Inonu replied that these talks could make possible an exchange of opinions and that in principle he had no objections to the President’s kind offer.
Under Secretary Ball said the talks would be most effective if each country sent a highly responsible official short of the most senior ranks, but still a man holding the complete confidence of his Prime Minister. He said that the participation of responsible and trusted officials below the Foreign Minister level and the use of the special facilities afforded by Camp David would make it much easier to keep the talks completely secret. Foreign Minister Erkin and Mr. Ball agreed that the two Foreign Ministers might join the talks at a later date.
The Prime Minister asked when the talks could begin, and the President replied the sooner the better, perhaps within one week. Prime Minister Inonu and Mr. Ball each expressed some optimism that the talks might quickly help clear the air.
Prime Minister Inonu again expressed his thanks for the President’s help, but added that every time during recent months when there had seemed to be hope for a peaceful settlement, something had developed to block it. He said the President should know that he may have to overcome resistance on the Greek side to the proposed talks. He agreed with the President that there are no gainers in war, but pointed out that Greece appears to be acting under the impression that it can win an easy victory on Cyprus. The Prime Minister said if there is to be a solution satisfactory to both sides, Prime Minister Papandreou must decide that he wants one.
The President commented he had no illusions that his talks with the Greeks would be easy, but he would do his best.
Foreign Minister Erkin raised the subject of the Turkish-Cypriot refugees, now homeless and unable to return to their old villages. He suggested settling the refugees in new homes where they are now. Under Secretary Ball said the Greeks might interpret such a move as de facto partition, thus making the situation more difficult. He pointed out that the International Red Cross could help in the immediate problems of the [Page 148] refugees, and said the United States would view such assistance with sympathy.
Mr. Ball said we may have a new asset on Cyprus in the person of General Thimayya, the new commander of the United Nations force on the island.2 The Prime Minister said similar sentiments had been expressed when General Gyani was appointed to the same position.
Foreign Minister Erkin said the Cyprus situation would become serious indeed should the Turkish army contingent on the island be attacked. The President assured the Turkish officials he would do his utmost to persuade the Greek Prime Minister that the issues must be settled peacefully and that Mr. Papandreou should use his influence to maintain tranquility on the island.
The President concluded by saying that Mr. Acheson would be present at Mr. Ball’s luncheon the following day and that further details on the proposed talks could be discussed then.
- Source: Department of State, Conference Files: Lot 66 D 110, CF 2415. Secret; Exdis. Drafted by Greene and approved in U on July 24 and in the White House on July 28. The meeting was held at the White House.↩
- On June 20, Secretary-General Thant announced that Thimayya would replace Gyani as commander of UNFICYP. Thimayya assumed command on July 8.↩