Office of the Historian

280. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Cyprus0

Washington, April 28, 1963, 5:50 p.m.

409. Athens’ 1100 to Dept; London’s 4246 to Dept; Ankara’s ed Secto 4; Deptel 371 to Nicosia, 851 to Athens; Nicosia’s 454 to Dept.1

1.

Athens’ letter to Makarios appears to be mature statesmanlike declaration GOG’s respect for rule of law and demonstration its determination do all possible, even at risk being attacked by political opposition, to persuade and pressure Archbishop into adopting similar responsible outlook and to minimize Cyprus as bone of contention with GOT. GOG willingness lay its own future on the line to clear up Cyprus problem could be pivotal step in improvement Greek-Turkish relations. It represents move of major significance, and calls for appropriate response and support from other interested parties, including US.

[Page 560]

For Athens

2.
You may indicate to Averoff that we commend GOG initiative and support GOG approach.
3.
Inform him of our plan make general demarche to Makarios along lines indicated below.
4.

We endeavoring influence UK go along. We believe, however, Averoff should also personally contact British Ambassador Athens and attempt directly elicit UK support. In our view and from our experience, UK as fellow guarantor power and NATO ally of Greece more likely respond favorably to GOG request than if unilaterally approached by us in behalf GOG.

For Nicosia

5.
You should arrange see Makarios to provide effective support requested by Averoff. Inform British colleague before making call and coordinate your approach with any he may be authorized make.
6.
Avoiding any mention our knowledge existence or contents GOG letter, you should make clear to Archbishop we feel Constitutional Court decision provides unique opportunity move toward permanent legal solution vexing municipalities problem which has for too long diverted energies both Cypriot communities from pressing problems of economic and social development.
7.
Reaffirm our view, as expressed to him on April 5, that London–Zurich agreements and Constitution have continuing validity and that necessary changes can be accomplished through agreement both communities based on mutual trust and confidence.
Ball
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 18 Cyp. Secret; Operational Immediate. Drafted by Schott and King, cleared by BNA and S/S, and approved by Cottam. Also sent to Athens and repeated to London, Ankara, and Tehran for the Secretary.↩
  2. Telegram 1100 is printed as Document 279. In telegram 4246, April 28, the Embassy in London reported that it had conveyed the substance of Averoff’s note to the Foreign Office. (Department of State, Central Files, POL 18 Cyp) In ed Secto 4 from Ankara, April 26, Secretary Rusk commented that the Averoff letter was a “conscientious and serious effort” to bring Makarios into line, undertaken despite political risks. (Ibid.) Telegram 371 is printed as Document 278. Regarding telegram 454, see footnote 2 thereto.↩