351. Telegram From the Consulate General in Nicosia to the Department of State0
420. Foot called me to Government House last night to discuss situation in light of weekend statements by Archbishop and 100 square mile compromise proposal of Kutchuk, which Makarios has described as “unacceptable”.1 Governor told me that after seeing Makarios and obtaining his approval he called meeting Sunday2 of all Greek Cypriot ministers and leading constitutional lawyer.
Foot said meeting was “last effort” make Cypriot leaders see the light; he claimed present situation was “high water mark” for Cypriot cause and to fail to close the bargain now would be grave mistake. Governor believed present precarious situation was brinksmanship with a vengeance, but there was no sign whatever that Makarios was willing meet British offer of flexibility with similar move. Governor told Cypriot leaders that if Amery left with no solution it would be very difficult [Page 831] to get talks started again. Contrary to press reports he did not espouse Turkish compromise at meeting. Said he had impression Greeks thought they could drag matter out indefinitely; this was not so. He was most disheartened after meeting with Ministers and others saying he now convinced Makarios has no intention of meeting British even half way. He said there would be no solution unless Greek Cypriots willing do so since UK would never concede to Archbishop’s demand for 80 square miles. In explanation he said in strictest confidence such substantial concession would split government and involve resignations of ministers. When I spoke of cost of alternatives, saying that perhaps Greeks counting on British people being unwilling pay bill in money, et cetera, for another round here, Foot said he was sure government quite willing endure considerable trials and expenses (he mentioned “millions”) rather than give in.
Greek Cypriot contacts present at meeting, claim Governor asked them persuade Makarios to compromise but would not give indication of extent HMG willing to go. They say Governor kept saying he would not talk about extent in numbers but only wished impress on them that compromise solution must be found at this week’s meeting (scheduled for Wednesday). Cypriots went on to say Governor would not commit himself on two questions they consider as vital as area—disposition of bases if UK leaves and method of formalizing agreements on administration. Cypriots were not optimistic. They did not like Foot’s approach and suspect motives as result refusal to mention specific figures or reassure them on other two matters. I tried explain difficulties, pointing out that British were afraid give specific proposal until Makarios at least indicated flexibility on his part.
If talks break down Foot expects rapid split between Greek and Turk Cypriots. Says next step would be to call meeting of Foreign Ministers to discuss future possibilities. Governor asked me to do what I could to impress on Greeks fact that situation urgent and further delay impossible.
Comment: In discussing UK position with Governor I still have impression he disagreed in principle, but recognizes political imperatives that influencing his decisions whether inherently right or not. British patience is obviously running short; these moves are probably not merely pressure play. Believe most we can do here at this time is informally express conviction that British will not meet Archbishop’s demands. Picture is not conducive to optimism.3
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 747C.00/4–560. Secret; Noforn. Repeated to Ankara, Athens, and London.↩
- In an April 1 speech commemorating the EOKA uprising of 1954, Makarios threatened a return to civil disobedience and unilateral implementation of the London agreements. On April 2, Kuchuk appealed for a compromise on the issue of British bases and suggested that the Cypriots and British settle on the figure of 100 square miles.↩
- April 3.↩
- Formal talks between Amery and Makarios broke down on May 6.↩