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

330. Telegram From the Embassy in Greece to the Department of State ¹

Athens, November 28, 1967, 2143Z.

2486. Vanto 43. Subject: Vance meeting with FonMin Pipinelis—November 28.

1. Vance, accompanied by Ambassador Talbot and John Walsh, met with FonMin Pipinelis at 2130. Pipinelis came directly to the issue. He said Cabinet had accepted GOT proposals and he would present letter to that effect to Vance. Decision was reached after moving scene in Cabinet. It was not easy but it was right. He hoped this would be the beginning of end of sad story of conflict with Turks over Cyprus.

2. Pipinelis said he also hoped Turks would not try score propaganda victory as result GOG decision. Said he had prepared lengthy statement emphasizing no value in winning or losing in Greek-Turk relations, and pointing out agreement will not settle everything but it will open the door to direct contacts between two countries.

3. Vance said he wished express his deep personal admiration for Minister. His decision had been very courageous.

4. Pipinelis said GOG wished seek certain clarifications and would request Brosio visit Ankara tomorrow morning. First of these concerned Makarios. GOG accepted Turk proposals in good faith but could not commit Makarios re para 4. Government was prepared, however, to try bring him aboard. Second concerned relationship in some paras between elimination of National Guard and constituting new force. Government believed these actions should be parallel. Third concerned definition of military personnel in para 3. Vance interrupted at that point to express belief each side should hold own interpretation that issue. Fourth was GOG desire stretch withdrawal period from 45 to 60 days in order provide logistical and elbow room.

5. Vance suggested that once withdrawals began issues like this should be practical subjects of discussion with Turks. Pipinelis ended discussion by expressing firm conviction that war would have occurred [had not] President Johnson sent the Vance Mission to search for a peaceful solution. On behalf his government he expressed deep appreciation to President.

6. Text of letter from Pipinelis to Vance follows: “I have the honour to inform you that the Greek Government accept the proposals contained in the attached text, on the understanding that the measures to be taken by the Turkish Government to remove the crisis in accordance with the letter of the Foreign Minister of Turkey, dated November 28, 1967, shall be implemented in good faith.

The Greek Government wish to point out that, as far as the provisions of paragraph 4 are concerned, which they read as also covering the question of the National Guard, they cannot engage the responsibility of the Government of Cyprus, whose rights must remain by necessity reserved.”²

Talbot

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 7 US/VANCE. Secret; Flash; Exdis. Received at 2227Z and also sent to Ankara, London, Nicosia, USUN, the Mission to NATO, and CINCEUR.
2. In Vanto 41, November 28, Vance requested that Hart inform the Turkish Government of Greek acceptance. (Ibid.) In Vanto 42, November 28, Vance reported that he was flying to Nicosia to secure Makarios’ agreement. (Ibid.)