320. Telegram From the Embassy in Greece to the Department of State1
2395. Vanto 11. Subject: Vance’s meeting with Greek Foreign Minister Pipinellis November 24. Secretary Vance, accompanied by Ambassador Talbot and John Walsh, had lengthy discussion with Foreign Minister Pipinellis this morning. Throughout conversation Pipinellis was courteous, calm, thoughtful, and somewhat fatalistic.
[Page 662]In response to Pipinellis’ inquiry, Vance frankly outlined his impression of the mood and position of the GOT and the Turkish people. He summarized situation as very grave with war fever running and GOT flatly insisting on immediate withdrawal of illegal Greek forces as sine qua non for easing of tensions. He pointed out that he had been rebuffed when he suggested that solution might be found in simultaneous Greek withdrawal and GOT steps to lower mobilization levels. While some moderate forces exist within GOT, he was uncertain whether they could withstand mounting war pressures.
Pipinellis said he was not surprised by Vance’s assessment. Greece and her allies were faced by gravest dangers. All Greek information pointed to probability of Turk attack. He had taken position as Foreign Minister determined to find peaceful solution but not at the price of national humiliation. What Turkey asks, he said, no self-respecting government could accept. They wish Greece to give up all its assets before talking. If Greek forces are withdrawn from Cyprus, he predicted communal clashes would occur followed by a Turkish landing. Turkey would then exercise its will without hindrance on Cyprus. If clash with Turkey is unavoidable, he preferred it to occur under existing circumstances. Despite his conviction that Greek forces are factor of stability on island and their elimination would create vacuum inviting Turkish intervention, he was prepared consider phased withdrawal connected with establishment of some other type policing force, providing Turks would accept formula which would not humiliate Greece. This, he said, is all Greece can do. If it is not acceptable to Turkey, situation is hopeless.
Vance then turned to possibility of solution to impasse if U Thant issued call to Greeks to start withdrawing and to Turks to take action reduce tensions. He felt this plan could prevent war without humiliation and stated he authorized to inform Pipinellis that UKG shared this view. Greeks would respond first to SYG and then Turks would respond. Under this plan SYG would provide umbrella protecting dignity each country. In eyes of world, Greece would benefit if it responded first to SYG. Furthermore, chances of peaceful settlement are slight unless Greece moves first, since GOT has presented complete stonewall when we raised possibility simultaneity in decisions both countries.
Vance pointed out that his proposal had not been discussed as yet with U Thant but he would raise it with his Special Representative Rolz-Bennett, if Pipinellis considered plan had merit.
Pipinellis responded that idea appeared reasonable, but felt GOG would require at least simultaneity in notifications to SYG and timing of commencement of specific actions. Furthermore, there would be no Greek withdrawal from Cyprus unless Turks withdraw. Movement outwards must be on staged basis and accompanied by build-up of UN or other replacement forces. Ensuing discussion indicated Pipinellis [Page 663] unaware numbers of Greek and Turkish illegal forces on island and apparently assumed approximate equality these forces. He emphasized that principle of complete withdrawal must be accepted by both sides. This should not be linked, however, to London-Zurich Accords because of Makarios.
Pipinellis said he would work out written statement for consideration with Vance in afternoon and subsequently with Cabinet.
He then summed up his views by saying he was prepared to go far in search for peace but he would not yield to Turkish pressure. If Turks not prepared make slightest gesture of understanding feelings of a free people, war will result. Finally, any Turk landing on Cyprus would speedily escalate into full war between Greece and Turkey.2
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 7 US/VANCE. Secret; Flash; Exdis. Received at 1824Z and also sent to Ankara and Nicosia.↩
- Following the meeting with Vance, Pipinellis submitted a draft paper for submission to Turkey. The paper, with modifications suggested by Vance and his comments on the draft, was transmitted to the Department of State in Vanto 13 from Athens, November 24. (Ibid.)↩