Office of the Historian

325. Telegram From the Embassy in Greece to the Department of State1

Athens, November 27, 1967, 0105Z.

2446. Vanto. Subj: Vance meeting with FonMin Pipinelis, November 26.2

1.
Vance, accompanied by Ambassador Talbot and John Walsh, called on FonMin to receive Greek reactions to draft accord as modified in November 25 meetings in Ankara. Pipinelis reported Cabinet had reviewed draft in long and difficult session and had prepared revised draft which he requested Vance to present to GOT tomorrow. Text contained in immediately following cable.3
2.
After quick review Vance said he would of course carry out wishes of GOG but it was his judgment that their draft could not be sold to GOT. With time running out, it is imperative to minimize textual changes. With this thought in mind he had prepared draft which represents fair balance between desires of two countries and which has reasonable chance of acceptance in Ankara. Text follows:
  • “1. The Secretary General of the United Nations would address an appeal to the Governments of Turkey, Greece and Cyprus, such an appeal to include, inter alia:
    a.
    An invitation to the Governments of Turkey and Greece to reaffirm the independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus.
    b.
    A request that the Governments of Turkey and Greece take immediate steps to remove any threat to the security of each other and of Cyprus and as a first step along the line of my previous appeal to bring about an expeditious withdrawal of Greek and Turkish forces, in excess of those present in 1963.
  • 2. The Governments of Greece and Turkey would declare their readiness to comply forthwith with the appeal of the Secretary General.
  • 3. Thereupon the Greek Government will withdraw expeditiously its military forces from Cyprus. Accompanying this, the Turkish Government will take all the necessary measures for removing the crisis.
  • 4. In response to the appeal of the Secretary General, the three countries undertake to seek from the Security Council an enlarged and [Page 670] improved mandate for UNFICYP giving it an increased pacification role and calling upon it to assist in setting up expeditiously new practical arrangements for the safeguarding of internal security (including the safety of all citizens) and the supervision of disarmament.”
3.
In explaining text, Vance emphasized that his object was to stop outbreak of war and not to solve all problems of Cyprus. Therefore, text could not be as inclusive as either party might wish. On other hand, text seems fair to both and could provide medium for resolution present crisis.
4.
After discussion number elements of Vance draft, Pipinelis said it would not be feasible to reassemble the Cabinet to review paper before Vance’s departure. He then proposed a “gentlemen’s agreement.” Vance should present the Greek draft to GOT tomorrow. If it is rejected, Vance should then present his draft. If Turk concurrence is obtained, Pipinelis pledged himself to support the draft in Cabinet. He also authorized Vance to inform GOT that he had reasonable confidence that GOG would approve the draft.
5.
In discussing GOT plans for reduction mobilization levels, Pipinelis said GOG placed high priority on removal invasion fleet which had been assembled in Turk ports and would like to obtain letter from GOT covering reduction schedules comparable to their letter on withdrawal schedules. Vance said he would urge GOT to provide such a letter.
Talbot
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 7 US/VANCE. Secret; Flash; Exdis. Received at 0157Z and repeated to Ankara, Nicosia, and USUN.↩
  2. When Vance met with Pipinellis shortly after midnight on November 26, he reported on his talks with the Turks and offered a revised draft of an accord on troop withdrawals. Vance carried a letter from Caglayangil containing assurances that Turkey would reduce its mobilization levels parallel with Greek force withdrawals. (Vanto 30 from Athens, November 25; ibid.)↩
  3. Telegram 2445 from Athens, November 27. (Ibid.)↩