Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume XXIX, Eastern Europe; Eastern Mediterranean, 1969–1972

381. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassies in Greece, Cyprus, and Turkey¹

Washington, September 13, 1971, 1722Z.

167530. For Ambassadors Tasca and Chargés Crawford and Cuthell. From Sisco. Subj: Cyprus.

1. As a result of very good and detailed reporting, I believe we now have a clearer picture both of the results of the Makarios–Papadopoulos talks and the strategy which GOC intends to pursue over the coming weeks. It seems clear that GOC will “seek the advice” of the SYG and that there is not apt to be too much common ground between GOG and GOT as to how to keep the parties engaged as an alternative to possible further deterioration in the situation.

2. In reviewing all of the cables carefully, and you are all to be congratulated on the reporting, it is clear that we need to focus on two ideas that have come from you at this stage. First, Ambassador Tascaʼs sensible thought that when Secretary sees Palamas and Olcay he encourage them both to come up with some kind of a mediation proposal that is somewhere within the ballpark in so far as GOC is concerned.² It seems to me also that this idea can be combined with the other idea which your cables elucidated, namely the idea of a third party presence at continuing intercommunal talks. The trick, of course, will be to try to find the right balance in “UN involvement or noninvolvement” plus having the Secretary General designate an individual who would have sufficient stature, force, and subtlety to inject some fresh ideas in the situation. We are under no illusions that the Cyprus issue is immediately susceptible to political solution. But it is clear that our interest would best be served if some form of continuing instrumentality keeping the parties engaged can be found.

3. I have not had an opportunity to discuss this matter fully with the Secretary but will do so before we go to New York, since not only will he be heavily involved as in the past in Arab-Israeli talks, but much of his time will also (in addition to Chinese representation) be taken up with India-Pakistan matters, and now Cyprus in a much more intensive way.

4. Assuming that we will want to encourage GOG and GOT to develop a mediation proposal along the above lines, what are your thoughts as to the individual that might be named by Secretary General. While I personally know and have respect for Osorio-Tafall he does not strike me as the kind of individual that can give talks the new starch that is required. In preparation for the Secretaryʼs talks in New York, I would like your views on this and any other thoughts you may have.³

5. I hope you would include in your observations the relative advantages and disadvantages of a non-American as against an American being designated. From this end, I can tell you our preference would be in any next stage that it be a non-American, though we obviously cannot afford to close any doors since Cyprus issue can reach a new and more serious stage over coming months.

Rogers

1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 592, Country Files—Middle East, Cyprus, Vol. I Jan 69–June 30, 1974. Secret; Exdis. Another copy is also ibid., RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 27 CYP. Drafted by Sisco, cleared by DePalma and Eliot, and approved by Rogers. Repeated to London, USUN, USNATO, USDOCOSOUTH, and EUCOM. In a September 13 memorandum to Kissinger transmitting the telegram to the White House, Eliot stated: “I am attaching for your information a telegram the Secretary today sent to our Embassies in Ankara, Athens, and Nicosia which I thought you would like to see in light of the recent Senior Review Group meetings on the subject.” (Ibid.)
2. See Document 379.
3. In telegram 1682 from Nicosia, September 15, Popper reiterated a preference for using a UN mediation to restart intercommunal talks. (National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 592, Country Files—Middle East, Cyprus, Vol. I Jan 1969–June 30, 1974) In telegram 4866 from Athens, September 15, the Embassy stated its view that a non-American mediation was preferable. (Ibid., RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 27 CYP) No response from the Embassy in Turkey has been found.