283. Telegram From the Embassy in Cyprus to the Department of State0
642. Pass AID. Toner and I called on Makarios this morning for further discussion of several economic matters. At close I commented that it was heartening to observe economic progress which Cyprus was making and expressed hope similar political progress would soon be made.
Makarios said that, as matter of fact, he had been preoccupied with other questions and there had been no new political developments in past few days. He himself had not discussed political matters either with his Greek Cypriot Ministers nor with Turkish Cypriots.
Makarios added, however, that he was still considering, as he had told me during our last conversation (Embtel 573),1 how to resolve Cyprus’ current political difficulties.
Makarios said that he had reached conclusion in his own mind that it would be necessary to revise Cypriot Constitution. He had, however, not as yet decided what timing and procedure would be for revision. Many articles of Constitution were unamendable; consequently careful consideration would be required as to when and how revision should be handled.
Makarios also observed that there were varying interpretations with respect to Treaty of Guarantee. Some thought it meant guarantor [Page 565] powers could intervene in Cyprus. He did not agree with this interpretation. He did not think Cyprus could be described as independent country if other countries had right of intervention and had their troops stationed in Cyprus as Greece and Turkey did. British bases in Cyprus were different matter as they were subject of separate bilateral agreements. Makarios added that he would prefer to become member of NATO rather than be guaranteed by Greece and Turkey.
I said I was disappointed to learn that there had been no further political talks between Greek and Turkish Cypriots in recent days. I said that following my last conversation with him I had seen several Turkish Cypriot leaders and had urged them to continue earlier talks.2 I said they had discussed current questions in reasonable way and had agreed to get in touch with Clerides. I added that it seemed to us solution to political difficulties could best be found in direct talks between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. It seemed wiser to approach matter in this way than by adopting some more radical approach, such as reference to UN. I made it clear, in line with Deptel 463,3 Cyprus could not expect US support if it embarked on this course.
Makarios replied that it seemed to him time had come to revise Constitution and Treaty of Guarantee. There no longer seemed any real possibility of solution through direct talks between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. Although he had reached this conclusion, he had not as yet decided when to go about it or how to proceed. Cypriot Constitution would not, in any event, be subject which could be considered by UN, although other matters, such as Treaty of Guarantee, might be. He hoped by next week to summarize on paper his thoughts regarding present and future of Cyprus and would give us copy.
It seems clear from this analysis by Makarios and Kyprianou’s earlier remarks (Embtel 638)4 that Greek Cypriots have become frustrated by their inconclusive discussions with Turkish Cypriots during past six months and as result are now considering other ways of finding solution to current problems, such as reference to UN and to guarantor powers. I nevertheless pressed Makarios very hard to continue direct talks with Turkish Cypriots as sounder method of tackling these problems and as one which would avoid complications which would arise in calling for revision of London–Zurich agreements.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 1 Cyp. Confidential. Repeated to Ankara, Athens, and London.↩
- See footnote 1, Document 282.↩
- In telegram 610, May 30, Wilkins reported on his efforts to press both sides to renew talks. (Department of State, Central Files, POL 18 Cyp)↩
- Document 282.↩
- Dated June 5. (Department of State, Central Files, POL 2 Cyp)↩