300. Telegram From Secretary of State Rusk to the Department of State0
Secto 40. Cyprus FonMin Kyprianou accompanied by Pelaghias called on Secretary at 12 noon, December 18, at Embassy Paris.
[Page 591]After initial expression of condolence over death of President Kennedy, entire conversation centered around proposed amendments Cyprus Constitution. FonMin said Makarios had made proposals for constitutional changes not to deprive Turkish minority of its rights but to remove division of Greek and Turkish communities. Makarios had some hopes for negotiation but now Turkish Government has rejected his proposals. Meeting in Paris of Greek, Cypriot and Turkish FonMins appears still scheduled for Friday, December 20. Its purpose is to discuss the Treaties of Alliance but FonMin expected constitutional proposals also to be discussed. Turkish Government rejection is not a favorable indication for success.
Secretary glanced over constitutional proposals provided him by FonMin and observed that against background of Zurich agreement these appear to be fairly far-reaching changes. FonMin denied this saying four or five of the thirteen items benefit Turkish community. Purpose of proposals he reiterated is merely to remove divisive elements. FonMin said troublesome aspect of problem is inclusion of outsiders. Matter has become internal political issue in Greece and Turkey.
To solve Cyprus problem once and for all, one of two possible alternatives indicated: 1) union with Greece or 2) independence within British Commonwealth cutting alliance with Greece and Turkey. He said Greek and Turkish alliances were merely sources of friction. Troops maintained in Cyprus cannot defend the country and can only turn possible internal conflicts into broader ones. Greek and Turkish forces should leave and UK remain.
Secretary asked if this could be worked out between the two communities in Cyprus. FonMin replied only problem is Turkish Government. Greeks will agree and UK is favorable. If Turkish Cypriots refuse to negotiate dangerous situation will develop. Secretary pointed out if changes made by agreement no one could object; if attempt made carry out changes without agreement explosive situation would be created.
FonMin said independence should be real independence. People of Cyprus should decide for themselves. Greeks make up 82 percent of population and matter should be decided by “democratic means”. FonMin went on at some length on theme that proposed constitutional changes would remove division in communities, in legislature and judiciary. Fact that proposal moderate demonstrated by opposition of extremists who desire union now with Greece. Although there is interest in union with Greece, FonMin maintained “Commonwealth solution” best.
Secretary said US feels that the two communities should work out this problem in the first place and then the guarantor powers. In response to FonMin’s request US intervene with Turks to persuade communities to negotiate, Secretary said US does not need this additional [Page 592] problem. We hope moderation will prevail and a way be found to continue negotiation. Violence should be avoided.
Secretary asked FonMin to keep Ambassador Wilkins informed. US primary concern is that whatever comes out of this be worked out by agreement.
FonMin said “on personal basis” he would like Secretary to give thought to “wider solution” for Cyprus. Secretary was noncommittal. He said FonMin would have no trouble with US with whatever was worked out by negotiation and agreement.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 25 Cyp. Confidential. Rusk was in Paris December 13–18 to attend the NATO Ministerial Meeting and in London December 18–19 to meet with British officials.↩