353. Telegram From the Consulate General in Nicosia to the Department of State0
365. Rome for Liaison. Reports from London on talks between Defense Secretary Gates and British Defense Minister Watkinson re alleged plan for dispersal British and American H-bombers with Cyprus to be used as one of bases has blown up storm of growing proportions here. Report apparently first appeared in London Observer (we did not see it) and was followed by discussion House of Commons. Timing particularly unfortunate. Past two weeks all Greek papers here have published articles protesting reported plan, editors have wired Macmillan and Makarios, trade unions have issued statements, and Communists planning protest rallies. Makarios has made statement expressing hope “reports unfounded,” and has so far resisted increasing pressure to introduce question in talks with Amery. While Communists clearly fanning flames they have struck responsive chord with Greek Cypriots. Turkish Cypriot papers, of course, have said nothing.
While we have not yet been approached directly for clarification on reported Gates-Watkinson talks, would appreciate any information on matter which Department and London can make available.1
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 747C.56311/6–2560. Confidential. Repeated to London, Athens, Ankara, Paris for USRO, and Rome.↩
- In telegram 385 to Nicosia, June 28, the Department replied that Gates had denied that plans for the dispersal of strategic bombers were discussed during his meeting with Watkinson and that Watkinson made a similar denial in the House of Commons. (Ibid., 747C.56311/6–2860)↩