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

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

Nicosia, November 22, 1967, 1245Z.

710. Reference: State 73069.²

1. As suggested reftel saw Makarios noon today local to present modified draft message (text septel)³ for his consideration. Made somewhat lengthy introductory remarks enlarging para 2 reftel and referring in particular to his oft repeated remarks desire see reduction of military forces on island and indeed eventual demilitarization. Also referred our expressed desire play useful role as non-aligned power and suggested he might add to his stature as statesman by some timely action in keeping with his acceptance speech of December 1959. At critical juncture in history of Cyprus and of Greece and Turkey, if he could take initiative in calling for reduction, if not elimination of military forces in Cyprus, he would be making real contribution to defusing present crisis which of utmost gravity and at same time make significant contribution to overall settlement of Cyprus problem. I then gave him text describing draft message as combination State Department and Embassy thinking which I had no time to clear with Washington and therefore had no official USG status but was merely an effort put down some thoughts which might be useful if he considered concept our suggestion valuable.

2. Makarios commented that we were correct in our assumption that he favored demilitarization through a phased reduction of forces but that for him to take the initiative without reference to Athens was out of the question. He said he personally would have no hesitation in telling me that he agreed with the concept and indeed the text of the proposed message. However in view of present crisis and state of public opinion both here and in Greece, he feared he would be accused of being a traitor and selling out Greece. I attempted argue that a private and confidential message of this sort might actually assist Greece in reaching decision regarding reply to Turkish note. The injection of a statesmanlike suggestion such as this at this time might have most significant bearing on outcome of crisis. He agreed but again said he could not take initiative. Archbishop then said he could, however, respond affirmatively to any Greek initiative along these lines and asked that we consider making presentation in Athens along lines mine to him. I said I would pass his observations back to Department and to Embassy Athens and I assumed I would hear something further which I would then communicate later today or this evening. In meantime I urged him give further thought to our proposal. He replied that he intended discuss it with Clerides and Kyprianou and in event of any change in his view as result these discussions, he would call me.

3. Comment: I think significant point to come out of somewhat discouraging conversation is that Makarios and his government would not only oppose reduction and eventual withdrawal of Greek forces, and indeed further steps toward demilitarization, but that he willing respond affirmatively to any possible GOG proposals along lines reftel. Realize that initiative along these lines in Athens would complicate if not counter efforts now being made there on wider concept of Turk five points. However, certainly in event Greek rejection present tripartite initiative, foregoing could conceivably be used as next move in our efforts avoid conflict. Prior to seeing Makarios discussed proposed approach with Canadian HICOMer and he very much in accord. Had no time inform UK HICOMer but doing so now.

Belcher

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 27 CYP. Secret; Flash. Received at 1347Z. Also sent to Athens and repeated to Ankara, London, USUN, the Mission to NATO, and Ottawa.
2. Telegram 73069 to Nicosia, November 22, instructed Belcher to press Makarios to take action that would facilitate the removal of excess Greek forces from Cyprus. (Ibid.)
3. Telegram 711 from Nicosia, November 22. (Ibid.)