Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Volume X, Part 1, Eastern Europe Region; Soviet Union; Cyprus

231. Telegram From the Mission to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and European Regional Organizations to the Department of State⁰

Paris, June 16, 1958, 9 p.m.

Polto 4202. Re: Cyprus. Following is summary constructive NAC meeting June 16. Full report follows soonest.¹

Sarper, although he spoke at length about merits of partition, said Turks ready to join in tripartite conference with Greece and United Kingdom on Cyprus and asked if United Kingdom and Greece were ready to do so. Greece said had no instructions other than to say Greece not closing door now on United Kingdom proposals. United Kingdom said after plan announced in Parliament, HMG ready to discuss how put in operation, would pay careful attention to any comments and discuss in spirit of alliance and of reason.

The Council without dissent from Greece, Turkey and United Kingdom who made clear not empowered make commitments, asked United Kingdom to postpone statement to Parliament for 48 hours in hope Greece and Turkey could agree within that time to a conference or negotiations with or without Greek and Turkish Cypriot participation at outset, using United Kingdom plan as basis for negotiations.

Spaak, summing up, called on all nations to have Ambassadors support request for timed delay with United Kingdom and affirmative answer from Greeks and Turks on conference or negotiations by individual demarches in three capitals. Emphasized that this would not be exerting pressure, but that alliance was in danger and three governments should be warned that NATO has right to insist that talks take place in conformity with Article I, NAT. Such action would be essence of treaty.

Nothing to be said to press.

In response to Turk question, in clarification statement that United Kingdom plan to be “basis for negotiations,” Belgium suggested “starting point.” United Kingdom suggested “basis for constructive discussion.”

USRO comment: Spaak carefully avoided using any draft piece of paper, and kept discussion on terms of principle.

Roberts said he would recommend United Kingdom arranging postponement announcement to Parliament. We are sure Sarper and Melas will do their best, both having been helpful in meeting, which was marked by high purpose of all.

NAC to meet Thursday morning, June 19, unless nature of United Kingdom reply re postponement of statement calls for earlier meeting.

United Kingdom failure to grant extension would nullify this first step in right direction. Recommend in light this new situation, further high level approaches in London, Athens, and Ankara in accordance with foregoing. Suggest that approaches be to express gratification for high principled attitude and forbearance shown by all in Council and taking general line that we assume answers will be affirmative in view importance to all members of alliance to settle matter by conciliation and negotiation. Believe approaches necessary, as clearly Sarper and Melas need help at home.²

Nolting

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 747C.00/6–1658. Secret; Niact. Received at 6:35 p.m. Repeated to London, Athens, Ankara, and Nicosia.
1. Polto 4208, June 16. (Ibid.)
2. Telegram 3722 to Ankara, June 16, instructed the Ambassadors in Turkey and Greece to make approaches at a “high level” and express U.S. hopes that the Turkish and Greek Governments would “send affirmative instructions” to their NATO Permanent Representatives. (Ibid.)