409. Telegram From the Embassy in Cyprus to the Department of State1

556. Subject: Cyprus: Czech Arms. Ref: Nicosia 539 (Notal).2

1.
Summary: Czech arms to be placed under UN inspection. Greeks helped prepare original arms list. They could now effectively control the arms.
2.
UNSYG Special Rep Osorio-Tafall, as well as Ambassadors of Austria and Spain and Canadian High Commissioner, saw Makarios March 8.
3.
Osorio tells me Makarios confirmed that GOC willing to place Czech arms under UNFICYP inspection as a first step. Osorio now negotiating with FonMin Kyprianou to determine how and when this commitment should be formalized. Cypriots are resisting a formal agreement, but Osorio wants at least an exchange of notes detailing UNFICYP right and obligation to carry out periodic inspection.
4.
In course of discussion with Archbishop Osorio asked how UN could be sure arms to be inspected represented entire quantity of arms imported. Makarios said this was simple matter. GOC would give UNFICYP list contained in original contract. It could be checked with Greek National Guard Commander Gen. Haralambopoulos, with whom list had been worked out by Cypriots.
5.
Comment: Osorio speculates, rightly we believe, that Haralambopoulos was originally under impression arms would be given to National Guard. At some point, probably after arrival of Grivas, the signals were evidently changed. If this version of events becomes public and goes unchallenged, GOG case on the arms will lose some of its force. GOG will not be able to maintain that Cyprus Govt erred in secretly and independently ordering arms, which on arrival have impaired Cyprus stability and prospects for intercommunal settlement. It will logically be compelled, we would think, to limiting its protest to fact that Makarios has kept arms out of mainland Greek control—quite a different point and one which would be much less reassuring to Turks.
5.
In actuality, Greeks are able to assume effective control of arms since they are now located in Athalassa compound, headquarters of both police and National Guard. A raiding forces battalion of National Guard has just been moved from Bellapais to Athalassa.
Popper
  1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 594, Country Files—Middle East, Greece, Vol. III Jan 72–Oct 73. Secret; Exdis. Repeated to Athens, Ankara, London, USNATO, EUCOM, USDOCOSOUTH, and USUN. Another copy is ibid., RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, DEF 19–6 CZECH–CYP.
  2. Dated March 7, it reported the willingness of the Cyprus Government to let the UN take control of the Czech arms. (Ibid.)