Clerides we think is a good man.
We support the Greek government, but since it had replaced the junta it didn't feel it could make concessions. It was afraid of being caught between the left and the right. The Greek Cypriots are willing to make concessions. Also the British got mad at the Turks and put pressure on them, thus relieving the pressure on the Turks for concessions.
The solution was to be greater autonomy for the Turkish Cypriots and restoration of the 1960 Constitution. But the negotiations stalemated. The Turks then attacked and now hold 55 percent of the good land and the best part.
Greek emotions are high, but the U. S. could have prevented it only by putting forces around the island sufficient to balance the Turkish forces.
The cut-off of aid would not have affected the battle and would have forced the Turks either to the Soviet Union or to a Qaddafi-type regime. It also would have gotten us embroiled in all the details of the negotiations.
We threatened if they went to war with each other that it would be a very serious move.
We now must get them to the conference table. We said yesterday that we insist that Turkey maintain the ceasefire line and negotiation is essential. I made a statement on this. I read this position to Ecevit and he agreed, and he agreed also to give up some territory and reduce his forces.
The reaction to our statement has been positive. The Greek tempers seem to be cooling. Clerides gave a good statement -- he is willing to negotiate without severe preconditions. We have encouraged the British to put forward a federal solution giving more autonomy. After it is discussed more, we will offer to play a more active role.
So: A war was stopped; the Turks will give up some of their gains; and the Turks will reduce some of their forces.
CONFIDENTIAL
