277. Telegram From the Embassy in Turkey to the Department of State0
1170. In general review of pending problems Saturday, FonMin Erkin said was particularly troubled by recent sttements of Makarios (Nicosia 441)1 which seemed to make it clear that, if decision of Constitutional Court was not favorable to Greek point of view, Makarios would disregard it.
Erkin said he was at loss understand how such things could be said in light of existing formal agreements. With reference to municipalities Turks had made specific proposal which would have end result of accomplishing what Makarios seeking. Turks know this and made proposal deliberately with that knowledge in mind but what they must insist on is that procedure be such that existing and solemn agreements not be violated. To do otherwise would be enact “first act of long tragedy”. That Turk apprehension in this regard well founded, said Erkin, was substantiated by Makarios’ own reference in another part of his press statement to fact Greeks in Cyprus cannot have other than Greek conscience, which seemed be just another way of saying that Enosis remains objective. Was Makarios deliberately trying drive problem to point of desperation which could lead to use of force? It seemed fantastic. But what are Turks to think?
Then, speaking very seriously but unemotionally, Erkin said he was at complete loss know what to do in this situation and felt only recourse was to turn to us for advice and assistance. All he was asking was that agreements be respected. He couldn’t believe that was asking too much since it is merely recognition of basic principle of international relationships.
I replied would report to my government with view eliciting any thoughts which might be helpful. But in meantime I would observe that we had, of course, been following matter attentively with view encouraging parties reach agreed solution and we had felt at one time recently that some progress being made toward narrowing issue re municipalities. In circumstances I was distressed hear GOT felt recent Makarios statements had made situation even more difficult than before. However, I had word of counsel, which was that, if GOT felt Makarios statements excessive, thing to avoid would be to reply in kind. To do so would merely escalate problem to greater degree of difficulty and [Page 554] would also not reflect favorably on position of reasonableness which GOT asserts be its purpose. There is sometimes temptation in such circumstances to resort to tit-for-tat tactics but to do so usually self-defeating.
Erkin expressed agreement, saying he was conscious of desirability of maintaining dignified posture but added this difficult, noting bitter anti-Turk campaign now being carried on in Greek press as contrasted calm being preserved here. In this connection, he said there had been plan for visit of Greek journalists to Turkey last fall which had been postponed till March 28 only to have it cancelled at last minute on ground Greeks did not feel it appropriate come to Turkey at time when their press so aroused. “What”, asked Erkin, “can we do in such a situation?” I then asked Erkin if there had been any developments toward discussion of these problems with the GOG. Erkin said that there had not and that his proposal to meet Averoff was still without reply. As contrasted pondered nature rest of conversation, this was said with distinct bitterness.
I then noted that proper communication would seem be part of problem since, for instance, we had report from our Embassy Athens that Averoff had publicly expressed appreciation for release Greek fishermen in replying press criticism (Athens 948).2 Erkin said this interesting news to him and he only wished might have been possible for GOG say as much to GOT.
Comment: Although this is a many faceted problem which defies simplified solution, it would appear that there is one factor in it which can be segregated as being constantly and needlessly noxious. This is tendency of Makarios personally to take positions and make statements which not only exacerbate situation here by confirming worst suspicions of Turks but also seem to be in clear conflict with policy of moderation which GOG reportedly endeavoring exert. If this correct, would seem that this particular problem is of type which might be approached as thing in itself. Problem is who is going to bell the cat.