190. Telegram From the Embassy in Greece to the Department of State1
732. Prime Minister asked me call this morning to discuss the crisis he and his government face as result recent developments Cyprus issue. Throughout two hour conversation he was calm and deadly serious, at times I detected a note of despair.
He said recent events in Ankara (penetration of Greek Embassy files2) and London (publication of EOKA documents3) obliged him either to formulate a definite policy as to how his government [Page 395] should face Cyprus issue, or to step down, leaving the task to others who might be better able to cope with it. If he stays, one policy would be to accept the humiliations heaped upon Greece and to abandon Cyprus cause. This he excluded. The other would be to “fight back” and to accept support from any quarter. He was now weighing his second line of policy.
Noting that British had sought absolutely no contact with him since February elections and that he was completely in dark re their intentions, and that he is definitely not threatening to turn toward Russia, he stated that it was only natural that he should turn to US Government for help and protection. What is US point of view on how solution can be found, and what is US willing to do about it? He wished me convey to my government his request that US undertake role of mediation between Greece–UK on Cyprus. Could he have an answer within one week? What ever nature of reply or even if no reply forthcoming, he had within next week or ten days to make fundamental decisions re his future course.
In replying to Karamanlis I reviewed many occasions on which US active interest Cyprus question had been manifested and assured him our efforts were not at an end. He asserted belief we have failed influence British and expressed doubt latter wanted solution. This led to discussion in which I stressed damage done to Greek position by EOKA terrorism and Athens radio broadcasts. Karamanlis categorically denied that his government in any way involved in EOKA violence. Wherever responsibility for violence might be, it was resorted to because British refused give democratic self-government to Cypriot people. Where was Radcliffe’s famous constitution? If British really intend to give self-government to Cyprus, why have they taken so long to produce this document? Its publication would prove British bona fides in an instant. Instead they offer life sentences and concentration camps.
Key to problem is liberal constitution and amnesty. Self-determination can be postponed indefinitely and be worked out over years between Cypriots and British or by NATO. Cypriot people may in end not wish sever British tie for economic and other reasons. Perhaps they will decide for independence in Commonwealth, …. There is impressive range of solutions and Greek position not inflexible. But only political solution will stop violence and further deterioration in Greek-allied relations.
Embassy attaches importance this plea from …Prime Minister. While not advocating kind of formal mediation Karamanlis requesting, we do believe that personal message from Secretary to Karamanlis indicating our intentions pursue this matter vigorously would go far help control situation here. Acceleration of British [Page 396] plans for self-government (London’s 304) would in Embassy’s view be most expedient move at this time.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 747C.00/8–1856. Secret; Priority. Repeated to Nicosia, Ankara, Paris, and London.↩
- In telegram 505 from Ankara, August 29, the Embassy informed the Department that according to press reports unknown person or persons had entered the Greek Chancery on August 25 and removed four “unimportant” files. (Ibid.,601.8182/ 8–2956)↩
- On August 26, the British Colonial Office announced that it had possession of a diary of Colonel George Grivas, leader of EOKA. According to British authorities, the diary entries indicated that Makarios was intimately involved with the founding of the organization and its operations. The Colonial Office subsequently published extracts from the diary.↩
- Telegram 30, July 23, reports on an unrelated matter. (Department of State, Central Files, 747C.00/7–2356)↩