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

233. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Turkey¹

Washington, May 31, 1966, 5:57 p.m.

1152. Ref.: Ankara’s 1441; Nicosia’s 547.²

1. Turkish Aide-mémoire represents clever diplomatic move to (1) involve U.S. more deeply in Cyprus problem, in direction of improving welfare Turk Cyps and perpetuating Turkish enclaves, or failing that, (2 clear way for Turkish ultimatum backed by real threat of limited military action. This presents us with dilemma in replying, since either forthcoming or cool response would lead us in undesirable direction.

2. Turkish move appears to have been based on assumption even interim political settlement unlikely in near future. We somewhat more optimistic regarding possibility interim “modus vivendi” arising from planned Greek-Turkish talks, with possible assist from USG. We, therefore, believe it logical and beneficial put off dilemma posed by Aide-mémoire by postponing (rather than intensifying or refusing) discussion with Turks on ways improve welfare Turk community and continuance UNFICYP. This approach implies we must take hard look our position, if Greek-Turkish talks fail.

3. Except for general wording on avoiding actions that would disturb talks, we agree Nicosia’s 547 that response should not include direct reference to unfortunate consequences Turkish military action.

4. With above in mind we propose respond to Turks with following Aide-mémoire:

5. “The United States Government greatly appreciates the Turkish Government’s past willingness to consult on problems involving Cyprus and is gratified to be given the opportunity to comment on the Turkish Government’s current thinking regarding this subject as set forth in its Aide-mémoire of April 19. As the Turkish Government is aware, the United States Government has followed the Cyprus problem closely since December 1963, and shares the Turkish Government’s profound concern that this issue continues to be a source of friction in the Eastern Mediterranean.

6. “The United States Government is aware that even though the conditions existing during the first year after the outbreak of the present crisis appear to have been ameliorated somewhat, the Turkish Cypriots still live under circumstances which are abnormal and regrettable. The United States Government sympathizes with those who have suffered hardships as a result of the unsettled conditions on the island and has done what it could to improve the welfare of the Turkish Cypriots by donating relief supplies to the Turkish community and by offering other assistance. The United States Government shall continue to seek ways in which it can be of further help, pending a settlement of the fundamental political problem that will permit a stable, secure life for the people of Cyprus.

7. “The United States Government is closely following and encouraging the efforts of the UN Secretary-General’s personal representative, Ambassador Bernardes, to bring about improved conditions on the island. The United States Government welcomed the decision of the United Nations Secretary-General to enlarge the terms of reference of his Special Representative, and hopes that this broadened mandate will open opportunities for such improvement.

8. “The United States Government notes the importance which the Government of Turkey has attached to the role of the UN in Cyprus and its relationship to the security and welfare of the Turkish community on the island. The United States has consistently supported the peacekeeping efforts of UNFICYP since that force was established in March 1964. It notes with satisfaction that the Turkish Government also recognizes the role which UNFICYP has played in the maintenance of peace and order. The United States Government shares the Turkish Government’s belief that a UN presence must be maintained on the island and to this end the United States is prepared to cooperate in supporting the UN peacekeeping effort in Cyprus. However, as the Aide-mémoire of the Turkish Government properly notes, many countries have become reluctant to continue their contributions to UNFICYP in the absence of significant progress on the underlying political issues.

9. “Since receipt of the Aide-mémoire of April 19, 1966, the USG has been advised of the intention of the Turkish and Greek Governments to resume talks on this subject. In the opinion of the USG this must be considered a most encouraging development which will permit consideration of the means of achieving a settlement leading to stability in Cyprus. The United States Government would like to keep in close touch with the Turkish Government on the status of these discussions.

10. “While these talks are in progress, it would clearly be desirable to avoid statements or actions that might in any way impair the still tenuous links of communication among the parties involved. However, if the forthcoming discussions should fail to have the hoped-for result, the United States Government would wish to discuss further with the Turkish Government the matters raised in the Turkish Government’s Aide-mémoire”.

11. Comments requested ASAP.³

Ball

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 27 CYP. Secret. Drafted by Churchill, cleared by GTI and L, and approved by Davies. Also sent to Athens, Nicosia, London, and USUN.
2. See Document 232 and footnote 7 thereto.
3. The addressees endorsed the language of the document in telegrams 1540 from Ankara, June 3; 581 from Nicosia, June 1; 5749 from London, June 1; 5106 from USUN, June 1; and 1787 from Athens, June 1. (All ibid.) The final text of the memorandum was transmitted to Secretary Rusk for delivery to Foreign Minister Caglayangil in Tosec 97 to Brussels, June 6. (Ibid.)