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

363. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Turkey⁰

Washington, December 17, 1960, 4:08 p.m.

797. Rome for Liaison. Ankara’s 772 and 773; Nicosia’s 287.¹ Department gratified by further indications reftels that GOG, GOT and GOC actively and constructively exploring problem equipping Cypriot Army from MAP surpluses within context their Treaty of Alliance. However, Turkish views reported Ankara’s 773, and plan hold tripartite discussions re defense of Cyprus Paris, with Cypriot FonMin present, seem to carry implication some kind of GOC-NATO relationship either exists or is contemplated.

Although Cyprus is not included in North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Cypriot developments are clearly of concern to NATO. Moves which tend focus attention on this latter circumstance, however, and suggest possibility GOC-NATO ties could have effect on neutralist currents in Cyprus and possibly complicate GOC position vis-a-vis Cypriot Communists and opposition nationalists. Would seem to us at this time that NATO interests adequately advanced by (a) presence UK sovereign bases in Cyprus, (b) continued Greek-Turkish cooperation, and (c) maintenance political stability in Cyprus under Government willing and able resist Communist/Soviet Bloc encroachments.

Basic element of US policy re Cyprus, however, is that it is area of primary Greek-Turkish-UK interest. Should these countries raise question of GOC-NATO relationship in Paris or elsewhere, we would of course consider without prior commitment such proposals as they might put forward. For our part, however, we have no intention of taking initiative this regard or of encouraging others to do so.

Without discussing with local Governments, addressee posts requested comment on Turkish views set forth Ankara’s 773.²

Dillon

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 780A.56/12–760. Confidential. Drafted by Atherton. Also sent to Ankara, Athens, London, Nicosia, and Paris for USRO and repeated to Rome.
1. Telegram 287 from Nicosia, December 7, reported that Makarios favored a small, lightly-armed constabulary force for Cyprus. (Ibid., 780A.56/12–760) Telegram 772 from Ankara, December 7, reported on Turkish Government plans for filling the supply requirements of Cypriot armed forces. (Ibid.) Telegram 773 from Ankara has not been found.
2. Telegram 313 from Nicosia, December 19, reported that the Cypriot Government did not desire a NATO tie. (Ibid., 780A.56/12–1960) Telegram 882 from Ankara, December 24, reported that the Turkish Government did not contemplate Cypriot participation in NATO. (Ibid., 780A.56/12–2460) Responses from the Embassies in Athens and London have not been found.