297. Telegram From the Embassy in Cyprus to the Department of State0
304. Cypriot FonMin asked me to call at noon today and handed me copy of memorandum entitled “Suggested Measures for Facilitating the Smooth Functioning of the State and for the Removal of Certain Causes of Intercommunal Friction”. Kyprianou said Makarios had given memorandum to Kutchuk this morning and had [at that] time outlined its principal points. Kyprianou added Kutchuk had not, of course, had opportunity to read it but his preliminary reaction had been “very bad”. Kutchuk had, however, said he would study it and would need about a week. Kutchuk had been accompanied by Muftizahde and for time being Kutchuk plans to go over it alone with him and not to discuss it with other Turk Cypriots.
Kyprianou also said Makarios had tried to persuade Kutchuk changes in Cypriot Constitution were required and there was no real reason to delay. Possibility of change of basic laws was acceptable in most countries. Makarios had also made point, in effort to persuade Turk Cypriots to move toward change, that it was much more difficult for him politically to recommend changes than for Turk Cypriots. Reason was Makarios would be trying to improve Constitution and thus committed to its support. Attitude reflected by these moves would not be appreciated by Greek Cypriots who favored union with Greece.
Kyprianou said copies of memorandum were being handed to reps of guarantor powers for information this morning. No request for four-power meeting was being made as Cyprus considered matter internal question but British planned to urge favorable consideration upon Turkey. It was hoped that other guarantor powers would lend such support to proposals as they saw fit. Kyprianou added that Turk Amb’s reaction had been favorable when he had received and run through memorandum this morning.
I expressed hope that Kyprianou memorandum was not at this stage being made available to press and steps would be taken to prevent leaks. Kyprianou said it was being very closely held although correspondents were aware of meetings which Makarios and he had this morning and were pressing for information.
I also asked Kyprianou if Greek Cypriots were making any efforts to explain their points of view to Turk Cypriots in addition to more formal [Page 587] meeting between Makarios and Kutchuk this morning. Kyprianou said he could see considerable merit in this suggestion and would get in touch with Muftizahde whom he knew well and spell out Greek Cypriot rationale for change.
Kyprianou also said he would now leave for Paris on December 8 for various annual international meetings. There were no plans to discuss Greek Cypriot memorandum at these meetings but Kyprianou anticipated informal talks might take place. Kyprianou planned to stop off in Athens for few days enroute as he had not yet had chance to meet Papandreou and Venizelos since formation of new Greek Cabinet. He had no plan to discuss memorandum with them but assumed it will arise during talks.
Highlights of text of memorandum are being sent by separate telegram. Argumentation, which is rather lengthy, will follow by pouch December 2. Our own comment and any local reaction will be sent early next week.1 Our preliminary reaction is that memorandum is well-reasoned legal document with some minor advantages for Turk Cypriots.
We hope that Turk Cypriots will take advantage of it for discussion and negotiation but their attitude toward constitutional change as expressed up until now makes it seem unlikely.