279. Telegram From the Embassy in Greece to the Department of State0
1100. 1. FonMin Averoff has advised me that the letter to Makarios referred to in Embtel 1049,1 has been delivered.
2. I have been informed by reliable source that letter, which appeared to have been three or four pages in length, was friendly but firm. General line reported to be somewhat as follows:
3. GOG is prepared to continue to help Cyprus to reach reasonable solution, as in past, but if Makarios should seek to force revision of Constitution, Greece and Cyprus must then go separate ways. Greece has always honored its signature and will continue to do so. It can never subscribe to doctrine of unilateral revision of international agreements. Grave dangers lie in such a course. Much emphasis is placed on bearing of Cyprus problem on Turkish-Greek relations, and importance preventing further deterioration those relations. It is said that unilateral action could lead not only to aggravation tension in Greek-Turkish relations, but also to deterioration position of Patriarch. Letter warns that GOG is so strongly committed to avoidance extra-legal action that, if necessary, government is prepared go before public with statement upholding London–Zurich agreements.
Letter acknowledges government realization such a public stance will pose most serious internal problem in Greece, but states that if pushed to extremes, it is prepared to submit question to people either through new elections or plebiscite.
4. Averoff believes his letter has made deep impression on Makarios who “turned white” when he read it. It is Averoff’s opinion that Makarios had every reason to believe Greeks are not speaking idly and that Makarios will realize GOG is deadly serious.
5. Averoff feels strongly that, following action of Constitutional Court, time is ripe to exert further pressure on Makarios “to work something out.” He therefore urges that US and UK make immediate demarche to Makarios. Averoff does not want to approach British personally and he prefers we not quote him to British. He considers time of [Page 559] the essence if Makarios is to be steered into sensible course. He hopes we will act this week end and, if possible, persuade the UK to do likewise.
6. I reminded Averoff that we had been counselling moderation for a long time. He expressed his appreciation this fact but replied that it was most important at this moment, following the Court action, to press Makarios again.
7. I shall appreciate receiving Department’s reaction ASAP as I shall be seeing Averoff again shortly.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 18 Cyp. Secret; Operational Immediate; Limited Distribution. Repeated to Nicosia, Ankara, and London.↩
- Telegram 1049, April 17, reported on discussions between Labouisse and Averoff on the range of Greek foreign policy problems. During the conversation, Averoff reaffirmed the Greek Government’s desire to induce Makarios to moderate his behavior. (Ibid.)↩