358. Memorandum From Secretary of State Rusk to President Johnson1

SUBJECT

  • Strategy for Negotiation of a Cyprus Settlement

Recommendation:

That you approve our taking an active part in promoting an early settlement of the Cyprus dispute, by supporting mediation efforts by the [Page 738] United Nations Secretary General or by taking steps that would involve us directly in the mediation process.2

Discussion:

In the last four years we have twice intervened diplomatically to stop a Greek-Turkish war from developing out of the Cyprus dispute. For the last several years, we have refrained from involving ourselves substantively in the issue, preferring the parties to reach agreement among themselves. After Cyrus Vance’s skilled mediation last November succeeded by the narrowest of margins, we have concluded that a new effort must be made to reach a permanent solution of this dangerous problem, and that a major role for the U.S. in this effort is indicated.

Shortly after the November crisis ended, a Cyprus Study Group, headed by former Ambassador Charles W. Yost, was formed to make recommendations on how the United States could aid in bringing about a settlement. The group’s recommendations, which are attached,3 have been approved by the Interdepartmental Regional Group headed by Assistant Secretary Battle and by the Senior Interdepartmental Group under the chairmanship of Under Secretary Katzenbach.

The basic recommendation that emerged is that the United States Government do all in its power to bring about a long-term Cyprus settlement. We believe that the risk of war has increased to the point that our interests are served best by actively promoting an early solution, despite the resentment that our role could conceivably produce in Greece, Cyprus, and Turkey. The parties are still very far apart, and it may well be that only the United States has the influence to bring them together. Chances of settlement are now somewhat better than before the November crisis.

Our first step would be to consult with the British and Canadian Governments, which also are strongly interested in settling the Cyprus dispute, and with the United Nations Secretary General, who has already begun discussions with representatives of Greece, Turkey, and Cyprus. Depending on the Secretary General’s plans for continuing his discussions and his prospects for success, we would then follow one of two courses: strong support for United Nations mediation of a long-term settlement, or support for its mediation of interim measures while we take over the search for a long-term settlement. In the latter case, we would review the situation again before appointing a United States mediator.

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Because the need for action is urgent, we would like to begin the course of action recommended by the paper as soon as possible.

Dean Rusk
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 27 CYP. Secret. Drafted by McFarland and cleared by Folsom, Rockwell, and Battle.
  2. There is no indication on the source text whether the President approved or disapproved the recommendation.
  3. Entitled “Strategy for Negotiation of a Cyprus Settlement,” not printed.