347. Telegram From the Embassy in Greece to the Department of State1
Athens, November 18, 1969,
1535Z.
5127. Fm: Popper. Subject: Cyprus:GOG Concern re Alleged U.S. Connection With Georkadjis.
- 1.
- At our meeting with FonOff Director of Turkish and Cypriot Affairs Theodoropoulos this morning, conversation turned to question of Cyprus National Front terrorism and difficulty in combatting it because of weakness in Cyprus police. Theodoropoulos explained GOG was not happy about Makarios using retired Greek National Police to advise Cyprus police but recognized necessity of some technical assistance.
- 2.
- Theodoropoulos then said he wanted to speak frankly about one aspect of terrorist situation which especially concerned GOG. They were distressed at possible consequences of developing feud between Georkadjis and Archbishop and were especially worried by formerʼs political ties with Clerides. In all candor, Theodoropoulos added, he had to say that there were persistent reports that Georkadjis was working with or for Americans. He could not see how this could help situation.
- 3.
- Popper said he had heard such rumors, but that they were without foundation. USG was aware of danger of any association with a man of this background, and Popper could assure Theodoropoulos we would have no part of any such intrigue.
- 4.
- Comment: Foregoing is latest and most authoritative in series of allusions to alleged American support for Georkadjis we have heard in recent weeks. It underscores importance of keeping our skirts absolutely clean in this matter if U.S. interest in Cyprus is not to suffer severe injury. This is particularly essential at moment when Makarios–Georkadjis controversy is intensifying, with clear possibility that Clerides and United Party may become involved in murky, terrorist connected political maneuvering.
McClelland
- Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 CYP. Secret. Repeated to Nicosia.↩