Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XVI, Eastern Europe; Cyprus; Greece; Turkey

281. Telegram From the Embassy in Cyprus to the Department of State⁰

Nicosia, April 30, 1963, 5 p.m.

500. I had appointment to see Makarios this morning to discuss various economic matters and took advantage of opportunity to discuss question of municipalities along lines of Deptel 409.¹ I emphasized that now that Constitutional Court had handed down its judgments, there was new opportunity to solve this issue for political and economic benefit of Cyprus. I also reiterated our continued belief in validity of London–Zurich agreements, subject to changes which reasonable men on both sides might find necessary, as had been case with our own Constitution.

Makarios said he appreciated spirit which motivated our interest and that he had been endeavoring, following Court decision, to calm situation and to put forward new proposals (Embtel 496),² but that Turkish Cypriots had returned them and were insisting that communities be completely separated. Makarios regretted this action because experience had shown administration could not in practice be completely separated and that Article 173 of Constitution did not require that this status be permanent.

Makarios said that he nevertheless still planned to meet with Kutchuk this afternoon to discuss matter and to ascertain whether Turkish Cypriots had any suggestions of their own as to how matter might be resolved. If present proposals were not acceptable, best solution might be to request House temporarily to give GOC responsibility for day-to-day administration of municipalities until such time as final solution was worked out.

I said I thought Makarios was on right track in endeavoring to calm situation and in making constructive proposals, and that at this stage it was important Greek and Turkish Cypriots continued to meet and discuss matters. I added that as I had occasion myself to talk with other Greek Cypriot leaders and especially with Turkish Cypriot leaders, I would urge them to move forward.

Earlier today Kutchuk asked me to call this afternoon, at which time I shall urge him to continue talks with Makarios and other Greek Cypriots and to solve this present problem which started out as of minor importance and has now been blown up to unreasonable proportions.³

Wilkins

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 18 Cyp. Confidential. Repeated to Ankara, Athens, and London.
1. Document 280.
2. Telegram 496, April 30, transmitted the text of Greek Cypriot proposals regarding municipal reorganization. (Department of State, Central Files, POL 18 Cyp)
3. In telegram 502, April 30, Wilkins reported that Turkish Cypriot leaders were proposing a mix of common and separate administrative institutions. They claimed to be ready to negotiate but feared the Greek Cypriots did not really desire a solution. (Ibid.)