Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume XXIX, Eastern Europe; Eastern Mediterranean, 1969–1972

365. Telegram From Department of State to Embassy in Greece¹

Washington, April 27, 1971, 2207Z.

72068. Ref: Athens 1918.² Subject: Cyprus: US Policy.

1. We agree with your succinct analysis that our major Cypriot objective is solution which will remove Cyprus as point of contention between Greece and Turkey, thus ensuring latterʼs cooperation within NATO and maintenance of our security position in Eastern Mediterranean.

2. For accomplishment this objective we believe solution to intercommunal problem must be one acceptable to both Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots. It should not be assumed as Palamas has suggested that whatever is acceptable to Greece and Turkey would be acceptable to two communities. Attempt to bring about solution contrary to wishes of either community could set off crisis resulting in very Greco-Turkish confrontation which we have been striving to avoid since 1960.

3. We believe that Athens and Ankara do have substantial role to play in working out solution acceptable to Cypriots and that Greco-Turkish discussions parallel to intercommunal talks would be acceptable to both communities, if it is clear from beginning that intention of Athens and Ankara is to facilitate Cypriot negotiated settlement. In this connection we note that Pres Makarios during April 23 meeting with Amb Popper (Nicosia 646)³ indicated he would find such discussions acceptable.

4. As you have noted, in addition to parties referred to above other elements within and outside Cyprus occupy important positions vis-à-vis implementation of solution. This includes of course the 30 percent of Greek Cypriot population which adheres to Communist Party, and which would have considerable potential for troublemaking should search for solution appear to be for other than an independent Cyprus.

5. Your further thoughts and those of other addressees welcome, especially in context current policy review (State 069411).⁴

Irwin

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 27 CYP. Secret; Exdis. Drafted by Davis; cleared by Cash, Churchill, and Curran (S/S); and approved by Davies. Repeated to Nicosia and Ankara.
2. Dated April 23; the Embassy suggested that the major U.S. objective was to prevent Cyprus from becoming a point of contention between Greece and Turkey, thus ensuring Turkeyʼs cooperation with NATO and security in the Eastern Mediterranean. (Ibid.)
3. Ibid.
4. Dated April 23; in it the Department outlined a program to review Cyprus contingency plans and requested Embassy comments. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 1–1 CYP–US)