Office of the Historian

167. Memorandum From the President’s Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft) to President Ford1

Washington, December 13, 1974.

Secretary Kissinger asked that I pass the following report to you:

“When I saw Greek Foreign Minister Bitsios this morning2 he fully confirmed the understanding I had reached last night with Turkish Foreign Minister Esenbel with respect to the Clerides–Denktash talks. He told me it would be useful to him to have a memorandum from me which he could take back to Athens. Accordingly, I gave him the following:

‘Memorandum for Foreign Minister Bitsios:

‘Confirming our conversation this morning the Foreign Minister of Turkey has informed me that he agrees in principle to the prompt opening of negotiations between Mr. Clerides and Mr. Denktash on substantive political issues. The agenda will include the reopening of the Nicosia International Airport, matters related to the Port of Famagusta, and such other questions whose prompt resolution would contribute to the timely achievement of a settlement. The powers of the Central Government in the future federated state will also be included as an early agenda item. It is my understanding that other political subjects can also be discussed.

‘In accordance with our mutual understandings, it is expected that Mr. Clerides will call Mr. Denktash next Tuesday, December 17, to make the specific and final arrangements for the meetings to take up these topics. I shall be in touch with you again on my return to Washington to reconfirm this point and the timing of this of this contact.

‘Henry A. Kissinger.’

“Bitsios was very pleased with the understandings which we worked out.

“I handed my letter to Turkish Foreign Minister Esenbel this morning and also gave him a copy of the memorandum to Bitsios. Esenbel expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of the discussions here. However, he made clear once again that if Congress adopts legislation cutting off aid, then all bets are off at this time.

“I believe we have made good progress here to unblock the negotiating situation on Cyprus. I am convinced that if we lose this opportunity due to congressional action, we may not have another chance.”

  1. Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Trip Briefing Books and Cables for Henry Kissinger, 1974–1976, Box 4, HAK to President, 12/10–12/13/74. Secret; Sensitive; Exclusively Eyes Only. Ford initialed the memorandum.↩
  2. See Document 166.↩