373. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Turkey1
Washington, November 15, 1968,
2215Z.
272453. Subject: Cyprus: Tripartite Talks: Normalization and Local Talks.
- 1.
- Dept’s discussions with reps UK FonOff and Canadian ExtAff held Nov 14 under chairmanship Dep Asst Sec Rockwell. Meeting produced striking similarity of views among three governments.
- 2.
- Following are conclusions reached on major points discussed:
- a.
- Normalization and Pacification: all agree that progress in this field seems to have approached its limit with regard to major official moves, but that continuing minor steps taken in Denktash-Clerides forum and at local levels are encouraging and useful in improving atmosphere especially in eastern and central parts of the island. All agreed on continued need for such steps as well as for deconfrontation in such areas as Artemis Road.
- b.
- Local Talks: Canadians and British pessimistic over prospects for local talks in view lack of progress in the second phase. We expressed [Page 772] view it is now too early to be either optimistic or pessimistic pending clear evidence of willingness of parties to compromise or similar evidence of obduracy. All expressed concern at lack of results so far but for moment see no need for outside intervention in talks. All would wish consult urgently with one another if talks in danger of collapse.
- c.
- Relative Importance Normalization and Constitutional Talks: All agreed that normalization should not be overemphasized at apparent expense of constitutional talks and that the two should go “hand in hand”.
- d.
- UNFICYP mandate and renewal covered by septel.2
Katzenbach