303. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Turkey 1
39286. 1. NEA is considering recommending to the Secretary that in his forthcoming talks with Turkish and Greek Prime Ministers at 22nd GA he raise the possibility of an approach to Cyprus problem which might by-pass the major difficulties which we believe Greeks and Turks have been encountering in their bilateral talks. We would suggest that if this initiative seemed to evoke interest on the part of the two Foreign Ministers, the Secretary might agree to the discreet presentation of such possibility in more concrete form at a time and place to be mutually agreed upon. It would be made clear we not offering to mediate, but rather to assist efforts of parties concerned which we continue to regard as best road to solution.
2. Substance of the proposal we have in mind is the creation of a form of commonwealth relationship between Greece and Cyprus, with substantial guarantees for the Turkish Cypriots and advantages for Turkey. This follows along the lines of Wehmeyer paper which you have seen.
3. If our calculation is correct, the atmosphere making for a settlement is better now than it has been for some time. We believe there is mounting weariness on the part of all concerned with the existing stalemate, the expense involved and the damage to the Greek and Turkish security situation in the Eastern Mediterranean. At the same time we think we detect disappointment and uncertainty on the part of the GOG. A proffer of good offices on our part would, we think, be well received, although we cannot of course predict that it would have tangible results. It should be emphasized that we are thinking of a careful, discreet and cautious approach to the matter, so as minimize possibility misinterpretation of our motives. On balance we tend to think possible gains overbalance predictable disadvantages.
4. Department would appreciate comments of three Ambassadors by C.O.B. Tuesday, September 19.2
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 27 CYP. Secret; Immediate; No Distribution Outside Department. Drafted by Horner, cleared by NEA and L, and approved by Rockwell. Also sent to Athens and Nicosia.↩
- Telegram 1364 from Athens, September 19, reported that the Greek Government would welcome active U.S. intervention in the Cyprus negotiation process. (Ibid.) Telegram 355 from Nicosia, September 19, responded that while Makarios and other Greek Cypriots would welcome a more active U.S. role, the Turkish Cypriots would be highly mistrustful. (Ibid.) No reply from Ankara has been found.↩