Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XXXIII, Organization and Management of Foreign Policy; United Nations

465. Telegram From the Embassy in the United Kingdom to the Department of State¹

London, February 26, 1964, 1 p.m.

4127. In talk with Wood of FonOff Central Dept this morning, following emerged:

1. UKUN report of yesterday’s SC meeting similar that contained USUN’s 3183.² Brits clearly deeply disappointed way SC consideration of Cyprus issue has gone and are uncertain what next steps should be. FonOff/CRO working team considering problem this morning.

2. Re Embtel 2115,³ FonOff understanding is Kyprianou proposed abrogate Treaty of Alliance only. Although HMG not a party to Treaty of Alliance, FonOff notes that treaty is closely related to Treaty of Guarantee and basic nature of both documents enshrined in Article 181 of Cyprus Constitution. Hence, if GOC attempts abrogate Treaty of Alliance, HMG will have to speak against this. FonOff still considering what answer should be given to Kyprianou’s query at SC meeting if guarantor powers still regard right of intervention under Treaty of Guarantee as valid in light of UN Charter. FonOff acknowledges question is “tricky” and care will have to be taken in framing answers.

3. FonOff working level thinking is now leaning toward SYG’s suggestion that early meeting of Papandreou and Inonu be arranged. Such meeting might later be expanded to include Makarios and Kutchuk and perhaps HMG as well. Problem is how to hold such meeting in constructive atmosphere as long as pertinent SC talks continue. FonOff working level has been thinking along lines that SC might adjourn its consideration of Cyprus issue later this week, following which summit meeting outlined above could be held. Thereafter, depending on outcome such meeting, Ball might be put back into play in SC.

When leaving FonOff, EmbOff met Rennie of FonOff UN Dept who confirmed discussions still taking place between FonOff and CRO on next steps. Said FonOff hopes be in touch with US again on question sometime this afternoon.

Bruce

1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1964–66, POL 23–8 CYP. Confidential; Priority. Repeated to Athens, Ankara, Nicosia, and New York. Passed to the White House, JCS, OSD, and CIA and repeated to CINCEUR and CINCSTRIKE for POLADs.
2. Dated February 25; it reported on Turkey’s UN position and speculated on how long the Turks could hold this position in the face of Cypriot maneuvering. (Ibid.)
3. Dated October 29, 1963. (Ibid., POL 15–5 BR–GR)