Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Eastern Europe; Soviet Union; Eastern Mediterranean, Volume VIII

747C.00/8–454: Telegram

No. 378
The Ambassador in Greece (Cannon) to the Department of State¹

secret
priority

Athens, August 4, 1954—2 p.m.

291. Reference Department telegram 230 July 27.² Foreign Minister last night handed me personal message for Secretary³ in reply Secretary’s message on Cyprus question which I delivered July 28.⁴

Text is ten pages long and therefore forwarded by today’s pouch. It is presentation Greek position on Cyprus issues composed at moment of bitter disappointment and resentment caused by recent British parliamentary debate and measures currently being taken by authorities in Cyprus. As could be expected in these circumstances it is negative response to Secretary’s request that question not be raised in UNGA, and sets forth four considerations explaining why Greece can follow no other course. Message also reveals extreme sensitiveness, and contains angry comment about Turkey’s pretensions as regards settlement of Cyprus problem.

Cannon

1. Repeated for information to London and Nicosia.
2. Document 374.
3. Not printed. (Athens Embassy files, lot 60 F 16, “350 Cyprus 1954”)
4. Document 375.