239. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Greece1
Washington, September 19, 1966, 4:58
p.m.
49718. Greek Foreign Minister Talks—Cyprus, September 17.
- 1.
- Following summary FYI only and Noforn. It is uncleared and subject to amendment upon review of memcon.2
- 2.
- Greek Foreign Minister, speaking on Cyprus issue, said he believed strongly in Greek-Turk dialogue and tensions in Greek-Turk relations had relaxed. It essential to seek permanent solution which would not have in it germ of new difficulties. Greek position based on three principles: 1) protection of prestige of Turkey, 2) granting of most advanced and generous type of minority guarantees, 3) guarantee of [Page 508] Turk security. Agreement of course extremely difficult to reach and there were those in Greece, Turkey and on Cyprus who did not want solution and want to torpedo dialogue. GOG is not only trying to solve Cyprus issue but to settle whole range of Greek-Turk problems. Package offered by Greeks covers 1) Cyprus solution, 2) bilateral treaty of alliance within NATO framework, 3) commercial and industrial relations, 4) fisheries, 5) tourism, 6) cultural relations. He added, without going into detail, that final solution should take form of “some kind of enosis.” Independence raised all dangers of Cuba-like Cyprus.
- 3.
- Soviets, he is convinced, oppose solution and as example he noted that Soviet Charge on Cyprus had expressed view that “opinion poll” be taken on question of enosis among young people who had not participated in 1950 plebiscite. Soviets obviously hope exploit expected shift in sentiment which Toumbas said was not anti-Greek but anti-West. A nation of only five hundred thousand cannot avoid falling into sphere of influence of one of great powers if independent.
- 4.
- Toumbas stated Greek and Turk representatives holding another meeting this week. Foreign Minister added he neither optimistic nor pessimistic about outcome of dialogue but wanted to continue to hope for best. He asked if Greek efforts fail and there is breakdown in talks, what would US consider doing procedurally? He had in mind good offices.
- 5.
- Secretary thanked Foreign Minister for report. He was encouraged to see talks being carried on seriously and privately. He thought Greeks had achieved one very important thing which USG esteemed highly, namely creating atmosphere of restraint. He noted Turk Foreign Minister had said his Greek colleague dealing on this subject in serious and responsible way. Secretary urged dialogue continue and not be broken off, since consequences of failure would be very serious. Utmost patience and determination were required and if talks did not succeed today there is always tomorrow. Cyprus question of interest not only to Greece, Turkey and Cyprus but to all of NATO and USG. USG had used its good offices in past and had suffered many bruises from this endeavor. Therefore we do not want to rush in. Secretary then made three points: 1) every possible effort should be made to maintain peace on island; 2) Greeks and Turks should exert maximum effort to work towards solution, 3) if there are ways in which US might be of help, we would be glad to give it most serious consideration. Secretary added he was not sure we had expertise or miraculous formula to solve Cyprus problem and that roots of problem go back into history to before birth of US as a nation. He believed strongly that those who had to live with results of solution should be ones to find it and he had complete respect for GOG efforts in this regard.
- 6.
- At end of meeting Secretary stated he hoped to see Foreign Minister again in New York, particularly if there were any future developments [Page 509] on Cyprus issue. Secretary noted that not having pressed for details concerning dialogue was through no lack of interest in problem but because we feel private conversations are most fruitful.
Ball