747C.00/11–2951: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Consulate at Nicosia 1
99. During courtesy call at Dept Nov 28 Venizelos raised question of Cyprus. In referring attempts gun-running into Cyprus2 stated he wld not like see civil disturbances break out there. Grk and Cypriot emotions at high pitch but wld be calmed if Brit gave indication at [Page 541] this time they wld consider union under more settled internatl conditions. Dept answered generally along lines position previously communicated to you. Present time inopportune raise question. Brit statement of willingness consider union in future might be construed as weakness by Cypriot Commies and as such might stimulate them increase agitation. Short-range stability badly needed until West superior to Sovs and raising Enosis issue wld adversely affect stability by disturbing relations between now friendly parties to this issue. Above info transmitted Athens.
- Drafted by Dixon, cleared by S/S, approved for transmission and signed for the Secretary by Dorsz. Repeated to London.↩
- During the course of a call at the Department of State on November 15, Ambassador Politis had informed McGhee and Dixon that Communist forces had attempted to move 1,500 rifles from Greece into Cyprus for the purpose of creating civil disturbances. Politis emphasized that the Greek Government “would not support any venture of this nature and had taken steps to prevent this event.” (Memorandum of conversation, by Dixon, November 15, 1951, 747C.00/11–1551)↩