Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Soviet Union, Eastern Mediterranean, Volume XXIV

255. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Greece¹

Washington, August 2, 1957—6:24 p.m.

415. Re Deptel 856 to London,² Tosec 7,³ London 867.⁴ For Athens and Ankara: Inform soonest government to which you are accredited:

1. USG has been informed by UK of proposed meeting to be attended by UK, Greece and Turkey with Spaak as observer to discuss Cyprus problem. UK has stated intention enter such discussion on basis open mind and without fixed agenda.

2. We regard this as desirable move towards arriving at compromise solution of this problem.

3. US hopes government to which you accredited will consider favorably UK proposal and accept invitation without prior conditions.

4. We believe best hope for solution Cyprus problem lies in quiet diplomacy and consequently urge that all parties impose strictest secrecy on their actions with respect this meeting, including fact meeting is being held.

If asked, you should explain that although especially as NATO members we are deeply concerned by Cyprus question, we do not now see how we can appropriately act as observer in question in which we are not a party. It seems to us advantageous that Spaak, who as SYG of NATO has a responsibility to deal with problems between NATO countries, will participate.

FYI Before making above approach we suggest you verify with your British colleague that British approach has been made and is substantially similar to “oral communication” made to us (Deptel 856 to London). Further instructions will follow based on response you receive from GOG or GOT. End FYI.

For USRO: As soon as Athens and Ankara confirm foregoing approach has been made, you may inform Spaak privately of terms of approach.⁵

Herter

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 747C.00/8–257. Secret; Niact; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Jones, Wood, and Timmons. Also sent to Ankara and Paris Topol and repeated to London and Nicosia.
2. See footnote 3, Document 251.
3. Document 251.
4. Supra.
5. In telegram 394, August 3, Allen informed the Department that he had conveyed to Averoff the pertinent sections of this telegram adding appropriate comment and emphasizing his opinion that the British proposal provided an excellent opportunity for Greece to achieve a clarification of Turkey’s position and a Greek refusal would place Greece in a defensive position before world opinion. Among his comments, Averoff noted that Karamanlis agreed in general with this position, but the Foreign Minister cautioned that these were preliminary reactions. (Department of State, Central Files, 747C.00/8–357) The same day Warren responded in telegram 299 that he had conveyed the points contained in this telegram and that the Turkish Foreign Office promised to transmit the substance to the Prime Minister. (Ibid.)