150. Telegram From the Embassy in Greece to the Department of State1
6588. Subject: Cyprus. Ref: Athens 6587.2
1. Following text of unofficial statement of Greek position on possible Cyprus solution handed Tyler by Caramanlis during second meeting, Tuesday, September 9. (See Athens 6587 numbered paragraph 22):
“1. Having occupied 40 per cent of Cyprus territory by force of arms Turkey demanded the resumption of negotiations. Having behind them the bitter experience of the Turkish Foreign Minister’s behavior in Geneva, the Greek Government requested that Turkey, in order to prove her good faith and her willingness to negotiate in a conciliatory spirit, make certain gestures before any direct negotiations are initiated.
These pre-conditions were:
- A.
- That the Turkish forces withdraw to the line drawn on August 9, 1974, or, at least, north of the Piroi area and of the old Nicosia–Famagusta road;
- B.
- That the masses of refugees who have fled to southern Cyprus be allowed to return to their homes in safety.
If Turkey continues to ask for direct negotiations, the request regarding fulfillment of the said pre-conditions is maintained.
2. If, on the other hand, Turkey accepted the initiation of a dialogue through a third power, substantive issues could be tackled at once. The basis for such an exchange of views could be the federative organization of the Cypriot state under the following conditions:
- A.
- The Turkish area would correspond approximately to the percentage of the Turkish Cypriot population;
- B.
- No exchange of populations would take place;
- C.
- Refugees would return to their homes where they would be allowed to reside in safety;
- D.
- The federal government would have substantive powers effectively ensuring the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus.
The Republic of Cyprus would be demilitarized following the conclusion of a final agreement. An effective system of international guarantees would be set up to preclude a repetition of the invasion of the island by Turkish forces.
[Page 504]3. Should a convergence of views occur on the fundamental points mentioned above, Greece would have no objection, if such were Turkey’s wish, for talks to be held in Nicosia between Messrs. Clerides and Denktash, under the auspices of the Secretary General of the United Nations and in the presence of the Ambassadors of Greece and Turkey, to draft in detail the text of the new constitution of Cyprus.
4. The future of Cyprus is only one of the difficulties created by Turkey in her relations with Greece. A separate agreement on Cyprus would not by itself substantially improve Greek-Turkish relations. Turkey has of late followed an aggressive foreign policy aimed at expanding her influence over the Aegean and over western Thrace. There have been several indications that these explosive issues, although momentarily overshadowed by developments in Cyprus, are very much alive and are likely to be raised by Turkey as soon as the question of Cyprus has been settled. Therefore, the Greek Government takes the view that if durable peace and stability are to return to the area, the Greek-Turkish relationship ought to be reconsidered in its entirety now, with a view to eliminating all points of friction between the two countries.”
- Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box CL 124, Geopolitical File, Chronological File, Cyprus. Secret; Flash; Nodis; Cherokee.↩
- Document 149.↩