647C.81/3–2251: Telegram
The Ambassador in Greece ( Peurifoy ) to the Department of State 1
3125. I saw Archbishop Makarios of Cyprus this morning2 at his [Page 530] request. Deptel 3258, Mar 16.3 He was accompanied by Loizides, Greek subject member of last year’s Cypriot delegation visiting UN and professional propagandist of Cypriot cause.
Archbishop explained ardent desire Cypriots for union with Greece, dismissed as relatively unimportant Turk Govt opposition and expressed opinion Cyprus would be safer military base for western powers if union occurred as this would obviate dangers inherent in disaffected and hostile population. He also stressed that continuation present situation provided most favorable opportunity for Commies propaganda in Cyprus against “imperialist” US as well as UK. In response my question Archbishop replied that Orthodox clergy in Cyprus taking strong line against communism, Loizides adding that Cypriot Communists had been ex-communicated. Markarios stressed his warm friendship for the US and pleasure at friendly reception accorded him there during his last year’s visit. Loizides said in his opinion US most favorable to Cypriot cause and referred to conversations with Congressmen and others.
I emphasized our concern that current Cyprus agitation might lead to development another trouble spot at this time of great international crisis. In common struggle which US is leading it is most important for all non-Commie elements to present united front and church should, I felt, be one of the most useful and cooperative elements in this movement.
In reply my question Loizides stated that if no other action taken in meantime, Cypriots intended raise question next GA meeting and would be constrained request assistance some other govts perhaps even eastern European one if Greek Govt would not serve as sponsor. I asked him if he realized what an unpleasant and difficult question this would be in GA and if he were aware that US Govt might well not support Cypriot claim before UN especially if international situation remained tense. Loizides then asked for US mediation between Cypriots and British. I recalled to him answer he had recd on this subject from McFall last autumn (Depairgram 388, Dec 6 19504) and stated that I had no reason to believe US position had changed subsequently. I promised, however, to report our conversation to Dept and to inform Archbishop of any additional views Dept might have.
In concluding Makarios strongly deprecated British refusal even [Page 531] to discuss question and stated that agitation for Enosis could be quelled if British stated that although international situation precluded any alteration island’s status at present they would be willing to discuss question at some specific time in future, perhaps within one or two years. Dept will note that this latter point of Makarios is similar to that made by Venizelos and also by British Ambassador Norton and might be worth exploring.
Makarios and Loizides are fully aware I believe that US Govt will not support them in any way. However, they obviously feel that their cause has strong popular appeal in US and hope to bring pressure on Dept through Greek-Amer societies and Congress. I have no confidence that my expression and explanation US views at this first meeting will deter either ethnarchy or Loizides from further agitation for Enosis in Greece, Cyprus, US or elsewhere. It is possible that before leaving Makarios will ask to see me again to inquire whether Dept has any further views on subject. If I can arrange to see him alone on this occasion I have some hope that I may be able to make him see more clearly the harmfulness of Cyprus agitation at present and persuade him to take more helpful attitude.
- Repeated to London and Nicosia.↩
- Peurifoy had reported Makarios’ arrival in Athens on March 13 “to see leaders all political parties on Cyprus question.” Peurifoy added that the Government press bulletin reported mass demonstrations of university and other students scheduled for March 23 to demonstrate for Cyprus union “and approve resolution that will then be delivered to Government and to US and British Embassies.” (647C.81/3–1451)↩
- Not printed; it stated that if Peurifoy perceived no objections, “believe it desirable for Amb seize this opportunity discuss Enosis problem with PriMin and Makarios separately, emphasizing US continues believe agitation Enosis at this time inopportune.” It also informed Peurifoy that Greek-American societies were attempting to bring pressure on the United States Senate to adopt a resolution favoring Enosis. (747C.00/3–1451) Peurifoy’s report on his meeting with Prime Minister Venizelos on March 19, during the course of which Venizelos “confided his anxiety with growing pressure for Cyprus union with Greece” is in telegram 3074 from Athens, March 19 (747C.00/3–1951).↩
- Not found in Department of State files.↩