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

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

Athens, March 2, 1968, 1428Z.

3777. Subject: Cyprus.

1. Pipinelis expressed great satisfaction to me today that Canadian initiative now launched.² As Makarios had seemed ready to go to U Thant in next few days, Canadians have moved apparently just in time. Pipinelis reasonably hopeful Canadian effort will bear fruit, though he said he spends his nights worrying about what could go wrong.

2. Pipinelis hopes Canadians can obtain not merely acquiescence from UNSYG but solid support which may become necessary to persuade Makarios to accept proposal. He hopes U.S. can also help influence Makarios. I expressed confidence that after idea surfaced we would do what we could within limits of our influence. Pipinelis commented that limited influence is everybody’s problem in dealing with Makarios, most especially Greece’s.

3. Pipinelis saw no serious problem about mid-April date for first meeting, though he agreed with my expressed concern that each passing week could give more opportunities for difficulties and accidents. Pipinelis showed little concern that either Makarios or Turk Cypriots would take separate initiatives in immediate future. While Canadian proposal should give Makarios pause, Pipinelis evidently counts on his understanding with Caglayangil to hold Turk Cypriots quiet.

4. Makarios, in Pipinelis’ view, has shifted his ground now that all agree enosis not practicable and he can therefore work openly toward independent solution he has privately always favored. Pipinelis sees Makarios as clearly preparing for direct talks with Turks—either with Turk Cypriots or, in end, with Turkey itself with which he must ultimately reach agreement. This is why Canadian initiative stands a chance.

5. Pipinelis relatively optimistic on ability of parties to reach agreement on terms for a new Cyprus Constitution. Earlier Greek-Turkish dialogue had broken down over international issues, but substantial and useful areas of agreement had nevertheless been achieved on constitutional concepts for Cyprus. These understandings, which Turkish Government had shown courage in agreeing to, are now available to be built upon.

6. Real difficulty ahead, Pipinelis feels, will be question of international guarantee of new Cyprus Constitution. He anticipates Turkey will assert continuing unilateral right of intervention as under London-Zurich treaties, although it knows this would be impossible for an independent Cypriot Government or for Greece to accept. Yet some form of international guarantee or assurance will probably be necessary. This is a void to be filled, and a question to which Pipinelis said he is giving much anxious thought.

7. Department please pass to other addressees as desired.

Talbot

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 27 CYP. Secret; Exdis. Repeated to Ankara and Nicosia.
2. Canadian proposals for a quadripartite conference on Cyprus were presented to the Government of Turkey on February 29, and to the Government of Greece on March 1. (Telegrams 4186 from Ankara, March 1, and 3753 from Athens, March 1; both ibid.) A copy of the Canadian proposals was transmitted in telegram 3749 from Athens, March 1. (Ibid.) On March 1, the Canadian Government also informed the Secretary-General of its proposals and its intention to sound out the Cypriot Government. (Telegram 3999 from USUN, March 2; ibid.)