747C.00/4–554: Telegram

No. 365
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Greece 1

secret

2901. You are requested approach Papagos and/or Stephanopoulos to make clear that US remains firmly opposed raising Cyprus question at next UNGA session. Many and very grave problems of over-all international situation require fullest possible cooperation Western nations which agitation Cyprus issue would disturb. You may also wish indicate our feeling that Greek presentation enosis issue to UN would have extremely deleterious effects in Aegean area where relations have been improving. Finally it would afford USSR and communist bloc tailor-made opportunity to achieve success in what appears number one Soviet objective at this time, i.e. to create dissension among members of Western world and attempt destroy European strength by setting NATO partners against each other.

While US would regret withholding support from Greece if question should arise in UN, cannot offer Greek Government any encouragement in this respect. US has noted with gratification Marshal’s moderate approach to problem and earnestly hope he will find it possible to continue to discourage popular agitation and will also reconsider advisability UN action.

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Byroade seeing Politis today.2 Will give him similar explanation our position and indicate you have been instructed explain our views in Athens on highest levels.3

Dulles
  1. Drafted by Wood, Crain, and Baxter, and cleared with Byroade, Hamilton, and Mangano. Repeated to London, Ankara, and Nicosia.
  2. For a memorandum of conversation by Baxter on Byroade’s conversation with Politis, Apr. 5, see infra.
  3. Telegram 2463 from Athens, Apr. 10, stated that Cannon had explained the U.S. position as set forth in this telegram to Stephanopoulos and Kyrou and also would discuss it with Papagos on that day. The Greek Foreign Ministry showed no sign of modifying its attitude. (747C.00/4–1054) No record of Cannon’s conversation with Papagos on Apr. 10 has been found in Department of State files.