476. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Turkey1

897. Re urtel 1115.2 You should make clear to Erkin that US, of course, not responsible for additional changes made in Res during Bernardes’ final round of consultations yesterday. Even though we can understand Turkish sensitivity on every revision which they think pleases Greek Cypriots, fact of the matter is that text as finally introduced was not modified in any significant degree beyond that approved by Turks on March 1. Fact that text is in as good shape as it now is, due in large part to fact that in negotiations on Res, Amb. Stevenson consistently advanced points on Turkish behalf as requested by Menemencioglu. We have been selling Turkish apples for them throughout the Council negotiations. GOT must recognize that as result our efforts US became identified in NY, Athens, and Nicosia as pro-Turk.

We can not believe that with text now in, Turks will upset apple-cart with all grievous effects that would have. All the arguments contained Deptel 8893 as to why Turks should acquiesce in this Res remain valid. It would be nothing short of tragic if all effort and good will we and friendly SC members have expended to get PKF established to protect Turkish Cypriots should prove in vain because of Turkish stickiness in last round.

Rusk
  1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1964–66, POL 23–8 CYP. Secret; Immediate. Drafted by Buffum, cleared in IO and NEA, and approved by Ball. Repeated to Athens, USUN, Nicosia, and London.
  2. Dated March 1; it reported on Turkish Security Council maneuvers designed to slow adoption of the draft resolution on Cyprus. (Ibid.)
  3. Dated March 3. (Ibid.)