235. Telegram From the Embassy in Greece to the Department of State1
Athens, July 22, 1966,
1800Z.
365. Dept repeat further as desired.
- 1.
- At Luncheon today PriMin briefed me on process [progress?] of Greek-Turkish dialogue to date.
- 2.
- His impression is that GOT (meaning Demirel, Caglayangil and some around them) are serious about reaching accommodation with Greece in order concentrate on economic questions but that “forces” beyond their control frustrate attempts to proceed. He characterized atmosphere as one of serious intent but where both parties are fearful of next step in belief increasing number pressures desiring sabotage discussions will win out and that interrupted discussions will mean serious setback for both Athens and Ankara. He identified as forces in Turkey limiting GOT maneuver press and the military. He cited sequence of recent events on Imvros and Tenedos as basis Greek assessment split in Turkish intentions re dialogue.
- 3.
- He said GOT representatives visiting Imvros lately have told Greeks there that Turkish Government would like to straighten out situation, but cannot in view fact Turkish National Security Council has decided militarize Imvros and expropriate property. Turkish press now playing up Greek “colonizing intentions” re islands and citing Greek concern as example Greek imperialism (megali idhea). Stephanopoulos reports Toumbas now of opinion that he does not see how GOG domestically can withstand any more press play re “persecutions” on Imvros and suggested time had come to refuse extension residence permits of Turk nationals (particulary on Rhodes) who come under expired 1930 Treaty of Establishment, even though he, Toumbas, believes dialogue is important and would like to see it continue.
- 4.
- Stephanopoulos of course lamented fact Turkish tactics (particularly extremist anti-dialogue forces) are only playing into Makarios’ hand. He repeatedly professed sincere determination withdraw Greek forces from Cyprus if some arrangement could be reached for demilitarization and some form Turkish assurance and suspension military action. He said fact Greek forces on island are hostages in hands of Makarios is source deepest concern to responsible members his government. Makarios indicates lack of concern should his actions lead to Greek-Turkish military confrontation on island. According PriMin, [Page 499] Archbishop thinks he can undermine current Greek Government by lending support to ERE leader Canellopoulos who, because of his complex regarding Karamanlis and his desire to strengthen his own position as head of party, wants early elections. Makarios is making funds available to new Athenian daily Eleftheros Cosmos which is scheduled to begin publishing next week and which is expected to support views of Makarios on Cyprus and of Canellopoulos on domestic issues. (However, Canellopoulos can bring down government at any moment on domestic issues before recess committee, without depending on Cyprus question.)
- 5.
- PriMin says next stage dialogue is Turkish expression their views on Greek suggestions for definitive solution involving demilitarization of Cyprus, conversion of UK base into NATO or multipartite base with Greek and Turkish participation, plus liberal minority rights for Turkish-Cypriots. Stephanopoulos suggested now would be appropriate time for American intervention to convince Turks to consider carefully how GOT can help keep dialogue alive.
- 6.
- PriMin also mentioned possibility of provisional arrangement including demilitarization, conversion of UK base into NATO or multipartite base with Turk and Greek participation, minority rights, plus plebiscite after five years. If Turks would agree to plebiscite, PriMin said, he thought GOG could persuade or somehow get Makarios to return exclusively to his ecclesiastical functions. Key feature of this scheme would be GOT’s giving up right of intervention in Cyprus under Article 4. In any case, PriMin added, some Greek-Turkish agreement is essential before GOG can act to control Makarios.
- 7.
- Comment: I do not believe we have yet reached point where it would be advisable for U.S. to weigh in with either side regarding substance of dialogue, particularly since according Stephanopoulos GOT has not responded to Greek ideas for definitive solution. I am very much concerned, however, that elements opposing dialogue may shortly be successful in spoiling atmosphere for talks. Measures against Greeks on Tenedos and Imvros are receiving increasing attention in Greek press and helping elements here who do not wish talks to succeed. I would much welcome Embassy Ankara’s comments on what PriMin alleged is situation in Turkey, particularly with reference to Demirel government’s relation to Turkish military and latter’s attitude towards dialogue.2
Talbot