Cyprus-Forum.com

[Paphitis]

This thread is to combat many myths as to the level of Britain's Complicity in the 1974 Coup and Invasion.

Sometimes I am astounded at the lack of circumspect factual analysis pertaining to these sad events. Many members have stated on many occasions that Britain was somehow involved and complicit with the US and Greece. Many also believe that Britain supported the Turkish Invasion that followed. This, according to many solid sources, is not the case. This, unfortunately leads to a lot of disgusting anti British sentiment, and some members unjustly attack other British forumers. I too have been guilty at times, but such behaviour is more damaging to our cause.

In addition, I would like to point out that Britain played a very positive role in support of the RoC and against the Coup and Invasion. The Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr. Callaghan and the then British PM were without doubt most sympathetic to our plight.

Britain, was instrumental in saving Makarios' from the Greek Coupists. It was clear that Greece and the US wanted him dead to facilitate the dissolution of the RoC and have Double Enosis. Their British Army physically flew him by Chopper to Akrotiri, and from there they flew him out of Cyprus on a British Military Aircraft. Clear enough evidence for me, that Britain played no role in the Coup other than playing an instrunmental role in its ultimate failure!

They haggled and wrestled with Ececit, and Kissinger. Attempting to thwart the upcoming catastrophe to Cyprus or at least buy some time so that they can mobilise their own forces. They were instrumental in achieving the first ceasefire on 22 Jul 74 and demanded that the invasion stop right there. Kissinger assured Callaghan that this will be the case, but he lied and later the second invasion began its land grab. Callaghan was furious and demanded a Turkish retreat even. Kissinger told Callaghan that nothing can be done because of Watergate.

There were even instances whereby Callaghan warned Kissinger that Britain would be forced to act militarily. This of course did not occur. The stakes were too high and the invasion had Kissinger's full support.

There are many sources people can read. Here are a few:

The Turkish Intervention, July-August 1974
http://www.cyprus-conflict.net/30%20Hot%20Days.html

The Cyprus Conspiracy: America, Espionage and the Turkish Invasion
http://books.google.com.au/books/about/The_Cyprus_Conspiracy.html?id=MhreepIYrtIC

The Cyprus Conflict
http://cyprus-conflict.net/Table%20of%20Contents.html

Operation Ablaut
July-August 1974
http://ukmamsoba.org/ablaut.html

House of Commons Hansard
HC Deb 15 July 1957 vol 573 cc771-902
http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1957/jul/15/cyprus

US Department of State
Foreign Relations, 1969-1976
Greece; Cyprus; Turkey, 1973-1976
http://2001-2009.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2007/dec/97941.htm
http://2001-2009.state.gov/r/pa/ho/frus/nixon/xxx/index.htm

http://2001-2009.state.gov/documents/organization/96607.pdf
http://2001-2009.state.gov/documents/organization/96606.pdf
http://2001-2009.state.gov/documents/organization/96609.pdf

What is also telling is the fact that Britain and the US have released a lot of their classified information. Greece refuses to do so. After looking at relevant sources it appears Greece is keen to cover up the true extent of betrayal.

Regards

P

[Oceanside50]

The consideration of using a military naval blockade gathered momentum once the Turkish delegation had come to London for consultations on the 17th July. Once more, at least superficially, it appeared as though it was the British who were negotiating with Turkey. The reality, however, was that throughout their meeting, Callaghan, using the pretext “I am going to the loo,” would leave the room in order to consult with Kissinger in order to obtain his approval on all crucial matters being discussed. Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit asked the British Government whether Turkey could land her forces in the SBAs and whether Britain would consider joint military action against the Greek forces. These proposals were rejected by the British. Callaghan declared that he wanted Makarios to return, emphasizing that he did not equate this to restoring the status quo ante, and that, as dictated by the Treaty of Guarantee, Greece should be invited to consultations, which would help delay the issue of a United Nations Security Council resolution having to be discussed, thereby pleasing Dr. Kissinger. No agreement was reached and the obvious conclusion was that without serious pressure being put on Greece to restore constitutional order in Cyprus, Turkey would take unilateral action.

I read through some of your links Paphitis but it really doesnt prove anything....for example the quote above quotes Ecevit asking the Brits for permission to land troops at the SBA and jointly attack the junta the Brits said no. Dont you think that if the Brits wanted to, couldnt they have at least sent their naval forces to blockade any junta forces or future Turk forces to land on Cyprus?...These links are put out by countries in order that they can cover their asses(diplomatically)...For Turkey to take a bold step like an invasion of Cyprus and for the junta to do the same with its coup, shows that they both had a green light to do so. The green light could of easily been a phone call from Kissinger to Ecevit or Ioannides of the junta..thats it..Since the invasion wasnt stopped by the Americans like it had been in 67 also shows the Americans support and willingness to look the other way, while the Turks were invading. If the Brits would have jointly fought alongside the Turks, how long do you think the SBA's would have lasted, after all the smoke had been cleared..I remember reading an old issue of Time magazine and reading old issues of American newspapers, during the invasion, Ecevit was in constant contact with Kissinger. Ecevit was concerned that Greek forces were being sent and Kissinger's reply was that he was sure they were not..and the invasion continued.. ....But the USA did impose an arms embargo against Turkey that lasted for almost 4 years...again for diplomatic/political reasons...

[Paphitis]

Ocean,

There are well over 500 pages of information I posted. All of it is there!

You need to read the book I posted on the Cyprus Conflict which include communications beyween Callaghan, Ecevit and Kissinger.

Callaghan was quick to deny Turkey use of the SBAs and in the same conversation to Ecevit, had asked him if the invasion can be stopped if all Greek Troops are removed. The answer was no!

Start reading if you want to learn.

I can't break it down for you because it will take time which I do not have.

All this is just scratching the surface! I have a dozen more reliable sources, but I think what I have provided so far is enough for now!

Also it is important to note that the Royal Navy was in position to be able to conduct a Naval Blockade. The Akrotiri Air Base was full to capacity with RAF fighter/bombers and Nimrod Surveillance Aircraft. The Royal Marines, Gurkhas and Australian SASR also deployed at short notice. Nothing could be done!

Jimski also mentioned that Britain was supplying the CNG with arms and ammunition at Nicosia Airport. This, if true would have been in secret. I would like more information about this.

Kissinger threatened Callaghan that any British action could result in the destruction of NATO and an opportunity for the USSR.

[Lordo]

perhaps you can also tell us where the asustralian soldiers were in cyprus while you are at it my little upside down friend.

[Paphitis]

perhaps you can also tell us where the asustralian soldiers were in cyprus while you are at it my little upside down friend.

If you got nothing serious to add, I will kindly ask you to stop posting here. This thread is about Britain's 1974 role, not about Australian SAS Troops. They were at Dhekelia along with the Gurkhas and the majority of other British Troops.

If the Australians and Gurkhas were to be let loose, make no mistake, the Turkish Conscripts would be ripped a new arshole and they would shit themselves twice as much!

[Lordo]

i am sorry to hear that and i shall not be posting in this post any longer but still very interested in where they were during the invasion. What building and where exactly.

[Paphitis]

i am sorry to hear that and i shall not be posting in this post any longer but still very interested in where they were during the invasion. What building and where exactly.

They work in small groups and are highly secretive of what they do. They were in a high state of readiness from what I gathered, and dug in around the Pyla area and along the Dhekelia Frontier, but they also venture behind the lines and specialise in reconnaissance, high value sabotage, covert black operations such as supplying CNG and ELDYK at Nicosia Airport and avoiding capture. They are Australians quiet assassins and work very well with British SAS, and Gurkhas. You would never see them coming until its too late.

They are very badass! Extremely badass and were probably a very strategic addition at the SBAs. You wouldn't want to cross their path.

They remained in Cyprus until 1977.

Back on topic please...

[Oceanside50]

why no contingent of 100,000 Australians to Cyprus today to get the Turk army out?

[Paphitis]

why no contingent of 100,000 Australians to Cyprus today to get the Turk army out?

Why no contingent of 100,000 Greeks to Cyprus to get the Turk Army out?

What's done now is done. The big question is what does Cyprus do about all this NOW!

I have said many times, that Cypriot Politicians have a tremendous responsibility to the people of Cyprus which they abuse time and time again through sheer arrogance and stupidity. They only care about the office and power they hold. Nothing else.

I have also said many times, that certain countries are fundamental to Cypriot interests, and the RoC has been dreadul at trying to influence and connect with those countries. When was the last time a RoC President met with a US president for instance?

The countries that are critical are US, UK, and Israel. We have bonded with only one of them.

The US holds the key!

[Lordo]

i am sorry to hear that and i shall not be posting in this post any longer but still very interested in where they were during the invasion. What building and where exactly.

They work in small groups and are highly secretive of what they do. They were in a high state of readiness from what I gathered, and dug in around the Pyla area and along the Dhekelia Frontier, but they also venture behind the lines and specialise in reconnaissance, high value sabotage, covert black operations such as supplying CNG and ELDYK at Nicosia Airport and avoiding capture. They are Australians quiet assassins and work very well with British SAS, and Gurkhas. You would never see them coming until its too late.

They are very badass! Extremely badass and were probably a very strategic addition at the SBAs. You wouldn't want to cross their path.

They remained in Cyprus until 1977.

Back on topic please...

its not me that needs to see them coming it is mehmetcik but i agree they would be very hard to see as under their beds is the last place you would expect them.