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

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

Nicosia, April 7, 1966, 1525Z.

469. NATUS.

1. Conversation with Bernardes yesterday indicates continued impasse here with regard his taking any new initiative within context his extended mandate.²

2. His most recent conversation with Makarios showed, if anything, a hardening of Greek Cypriot position with regard any further concessions to Turkish Cypriots living in enclaves. He said Archbishop had warned him that in making any proposals under extended mandate he should bear in mind that Greek position based on concept of unitary state and any proposals out of line with this concept would be automatically rejected by Greeks.

3. In discussing question of any conversations with appropriate representatives Turkish Cypriot community, Makarios has made clear that he not prepared authorize conversations unless Turkish Cypriot side included representatives of dissident Turkish Cypriot elements, i.e. specifically Dr. Ishan Ali. Bernardes commented that this proviso was new and obviously completely unacceptable to Turkish Cypriots. He went on to say, in his view, there was no “will” on part of Greek Cypriots to enter conversations and as matter of fact Archbishop had pointed out that if Turkish Cypriots willing now to sit down to discuss future, in three months time they would be even more willing. In meantime, Archbishop said he prepared wait matter out and reiterated old theme of letting Turks die on vine in their enclaves.

4. Bernardes said his attempts to point out need for some progress prior to June force renewal apparently fell on deaf ears although he continues to believe Makarios would be worried if force were reduced by more than half. Bernardes believes Greek Cypriot leadership being deluded by own propaganda that Turkish Cypriots on verge of collapse. He (and Embassy) have been at some pains to attempt moderate this belief on the part of Greek Cypriots but apparently with little success.

5. As further indication that Greeks in no mood make further compromises in “return to normalcy” Bernardes pointed out that they had substantially changed signals on question of Land Registry Office. Clerides had originally told UN to negotiate on basis of books being in UN custody and on this basis his staff appeared be making progress. A few weeks ago, however, Greeks changed position and now insisting that books come under GOC custody with only supervisory role for UN. It must have been obvious to Greeks that Turks would never accept on this basis.

6. Needless to say Bernardes discouraged by lack of progress here and while not seeing any great potential good in travel to Athens and Ankara, he is now considering attempting use his influence there late this month or early May.

7. Comment: Unfortunately our recent conversations with Greek and Turkish Cypriots did not give me any grounds for optimism or encouragement in my comments to Bernardes.

Belcher

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 27 CYP. Confidential. Repeated to London, USUN, Paris, Athens, and Ankara.
2. On March 4, Secretary-General Thant informed the Security Council that he was broadening Bernardes’ responsibilities by authorizing him to employ his good offices and to approach the parties in order to achieve discussions at any level. (U.N. Doc. S/7180)