781.00/2–2051: Telegram
The Minister in Greece ( Yost ) to the Department of State 1
2701. Re Embtel 2674 February 17.2 British Embassy understandably irritated by Prime Minister’s unexpected demand for Cyprus. Ambassador Norton and his principal assistants have lost no opportunity to express their displeasure in informal talks with Greek Foreign Office officials and politicians but have avoided contact with Prime Minister or other leading Cabinet Ministers.
British seem particularly annoyed with Kanellopoulos who introduced pre-arranged question in Parliament and thus gave Prime Minister opportunity to shift public attention from economic ills to generally popular political matter. British feel introduction Cyprus question at present most unwise and ungracious especially as only few days before Greek representatives at Paris sought English assistance in their attempt to procure equivalent 80 million dollar assistance through EPU.
Foreign Minister Under Secretary Politis maintained to British that popular demand for Cyprus simply could not be held longer in check and now that government has committed itself to introduce matter [Page 529] at next UNGA session British must make some concession to save Greece from having to side with Communist states who are sure to agitate for “Enosis” as embarrassment to West. Norton agrees that great popular pressure on Greek Government being exerted particularly by Orthodox Church.
British have made clear to Politis that further discussion of Cyprus question absolutely useless as certainly British and probably American defense staffs would not tolerate present change in status of strategic Cyprus. However, Norton feels his government must face up to question more realistically than has so far been case. He is inclined believe best policy open to British is to promise Greeks willingness discuss question as soon as international situation permits.
Over weekend, Venizelos and Kanellopoulos have told me they consider indefinite continuation present situation re Cyprus intolerable and British attitude unacceptable. Prime Minister has indicated, however, that he is not inclined take any further steps at this moment and has publicly stated that next move up to British.
Strategic argument characterized by Kanellopoulos as entirely unconvincing since he asserts Greeks have repeatly emphasized that they, if masters of Cyprus, would accord US and UK whatever facilities and bases required.
Without question movement for acquisition of Cyprus has solid popular base in Greece as irredentism deeply ingrained feature Greek nationalism. However, restraint by politicians, press and church could certainly prevent situation from becoming acute. Upon event appropriate occasion, Embassy will continue to counsel leaders these groups to follow course of moderation and patience emphasizing present period international tension most inappropriate for any change in Cyprus status. Nevertheless, we must anticipate continuing and perhaps increasing agitation on this subject.