Office of the Historian

110. Telegram From the Embassy in Turkey to the Department of State1

Ankara, August 8, 1964, 1 p.m.

229. Had early morning session with Erkin prior his joining Cabinet meeting in which I drew on Nicosia’s 199 to Dept2 giving latest sitrep and status negots on UN taking over positions in Mansoura complex; Athens 226 to Dept3 covering constructive recommendation by GOG to Nicosia; Athens 223 to Department4 re lack Greek desire for war and probability that further bargaining could be useful in Geneva; Athens 227 to Dept5 re instruction to Nicolareizis to continue talks with Acheson; and finally importance of avoiding further air action in order promote peace efforts in Nicosia and settlement efforts in Geneva as instructed Deptel 193.6

Erkin expressed appreciation and made following comments:

1)
Said he would send message Turk Charge Nicosia as requested by Thimayya but reiterated Turk approval was for withdrawal both sides from posts inside and outside villages affected and taking over by UN on status quo ante basis, e.g. Greeks should return Mansoura to Turks if occupied by them. He said this was point on which Ministers felt very strongly last night, with many insisting GOT should otherwise resort to bombing. Erkin said he would clarify again to Turk Charge and hoped we might assist in Nicosia as occasion afforded. As matter stands Erkin fears Markarios seeking hold villages occupied in which case turning over higher land to UN and disarming villages would merely serve consolidate Greek Cypriot gains. However if there is complete mutuality of action GOT prepared agree.
2)
Essential that attacks not now be launched against Kokkina such as made against Mansoura. This very important.
3)
Erkin has impression casualties in Mansoura have been heavy and anxious obtain accurate info (would seem any info furnished on this or in similar cases might best be double-tracked through Turk Emb Nicosia).
4)
GOT greatly concerned re situation Turks at Paphos where population being subjected excessive privation. Necessary obtain full info and that remedial steps be taken.
5)
GOT respects ability and diligent efforts of General Thimayya.
6)
Inonu had hard time in Cabinet last night. Most of Ministers were demanding immediate and strong action, stressing that they represented will of people. Only advocates of moderation were Inonu, Erkin and General Sunay. Otherwise drastic decisions would have been taken last night since there was even opposition to recessing until this morning.

Believe info and thoughts which we were able feed Erkin before and during Cabinet meeting last night and again this morning have been very helpful to him in maintaining certain “one up-manship” with other Cabinet members and interesting to note that, whereas he has been avowed interventionist in recent weeks, he now appears be using influence in cause of moderation.

Since foregoing drafted have had second talk with Erkin giving details of new cease-fire proposal. Para numbered one therefore represents views which have subsequently been revised.

Hare
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 23–8 CYP. Secret; Flash; Exdis-TAG. Repeated to USUN, Geneva for Acheson, Nicosia, Athens, DOD, CIA, and the White House.↩
  2. Dated August 8.(Ibid.)↩
  3. See footnote 3, Document 105.↩
  4. See footnote 5, Document 104.↩
  5. Dated August 7. (Department of State, Central Files, POL 23–8 CYP)↩
  6. Document 108.↩