Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XVI, Cyprus; Greece; Turkey

130. Telegram From the Embassy in Cyprus to the Department of State¹

Nicosia, August 18, 1964, 1:30 p.m.

338. After turning over President Johnson’s message² for which Makarios expressed thanks we discussed food and water problems facing Turk Cypriots. I opened discussion by referring to fact world press beginning interpret GOC restrictions as designed pressure innocent people through deprivation bread and water and surely this was not record he wanted outside his country. Our ensuing discussion followed lines his talk with Plaza reported Embtels 328 and 335.³ Makarios repeated commitments made to Plaza and said that this morning’s meeting with UN reps would finalize arrangements. When I asked specifically whether kerosene would be provided today so Turks could bake bread he replied matter would be discussed and decided on today. In afterthought (which we have conveyed to Plaza) he said couldn’t see why Turks should have kerosene while Greeks can’t have land registry records or parcels in central post office (both in Turk quarter). I suggested it not only unfair equate these matters, but outside world would not understand actions preventing baking of bread as means forcing release of documents and mail. Surely the women, children and old folk should not suffer nor appear in eyes of world to be made to suffer in this fashion for decisions taken by their leaders.

Only new factor re Ktima water supply is assertion by President that when Greeks offered cancel all bills due if Turks agreed pay from now on, they refused (presumably on basis Constitution splits municipalities and therefore payments Turks can only be to own municipal authorities. It is for this reason they have refused to pay Greeks since 1960 Constitution went into effect).

I said we sincerely hoped GOC could make some immediate gesture which would give better press and also reduce tensions in Turk community and in Ankara. Said I hoped he was gauging very carefully how much economic pressure Turk Cypriots could take without explosion which could bring additional catastrophes to island.

With regard Geneva talks President had little to add to what other he told Plaza as reported Embtel 328. He did emphasize however that “Papandreou will accept anything I agree to but I don’t necessarily accept any decision he may make.” He added he felt State Department had got cart before horse in Geneva tactics and expressed continued resentment at being left out of discussions. I said he must realize we appreciated fact solution would have to be acceptable Greek Cypriots as well as others but that we also believed it necessary pave way by assisting Mediator in finding agreement between Greece and Turkey. No solution, whether saleable to Govt of Cyprus or not would work if other two disagreed. He was not convinced.

Meeting 11:30 this morning will show whether we are justified in limited optimism engendered by apparent changes which Archbishop has told Plaza (and me and Bishop) he will put into effect re freedom of movement and food and fuel supplies.⁴

Belcher

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 27 CYP. Confidential; Priority. Repeated to London, Athens, USUN, Geneva for Acheson, and Paris for USRO.
2. Johnson’s August 14 reply to Makarios’ August 9 appeal to restrain the Government of Turkey was transmitted in telegram 179 to Nicosia, August 14. In it, the President urged Makarios to cooperate with the United Nations in its efforts to restore peace in the region. (Ibid.) Makarios’ letter is in the Johnson Library, National Security File, Special Head of State Correspondence, Cyprus—Makarios.
3. In telegram 328 from Nicosia, August 17, Belcher reported that Plaza believed he had made progress in discussions with Makarios over the issue of resupply for Turkish Cypriot villages. (Ibid.) Telegram 335 from Nicosia, August 17, reported Makarios’ uncompromising opposition to any solution arising from the Geneva talks. (Department of State, Central Files, POL 27 CYP)
4. In telegram 342 from Nicosia, August 18, Belcher reported that the United Nations and Cypriot Government had reached an agreement easing economic restrictions on Turkish Cypriots. (Ibid.)