Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XVI, Eastern Europe; Cyprus; Greece; Turkey

307. Telegram From the Embassy in Turkey to the Department of State⁰

Ankara, December 28, 1963, 1 p.m.

795. Embtel 792.¹ Immediate reason for meeting with FonMin Erkin was reported in reftel but he also commented further re more long-range aspects of problem and asked this be reported to Department as background.

In brief, he said that as actual violence has ebbed in Cyprus there is developing a deep and grim anger in Turkey and a despair and apprehension among Turkish Cypriots leading to inexorable conclusion that reestablishment of necessary degree confidence among two communities and return status quo ante impossible.

Turks now coming to conclusion that Makarios real purpose is to make life so unendurable for Turks that they will be forced leave unless more effective arrangement made to assure equitable status. (In this connection Erkin noted report that Turk police in Cyprus not being paid and that Makarios threatening retaliatory action against them. This GOT would not tolerate.)

Indicating his general agreement this line of thought Erkin recalled that only way Greek-Turkish enmity transformed to friendship in twenties had been by extreme measure of transfer population. Now confronted by similar situation and, if Greek-Turkish friendship not to be tragically lost, will be necessary have recourse to “radical” solution. What form it might take frankly not yet clear to him. Partition comes to mind but he had counselled responsible Turkish journalists not to stress for fear partition might become public fixation and prevent proper consideration some other possibly preferable solution.

Resolution of this longer term problem, said Erkin, will be difficult and “explosive” and he expressed hope we would keep open mind and avoid premature conclusions. Only specific thing he could now say was that break down of confidence so great that necessary continue tripartite responsibility for maintaining security until new solution reached.

Hare

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 25 Cyp. Confidential. Received at 2:52 p.m. and relayed to USUN; the White House; the Office of the Secretary of Defense; the Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; and CIA. Repeated to Athens, Nicosia, and London.
1. Telegram 792, December 28, reported on Turkish reaction to the Government of Cyprus’ request for a U.N. Security Council meeting on the island’s future. (Ibid.)