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September 22, 1964

Record of a Conversation between N.S. Khrushchev and Ali Sabri, Prime Minister of the UAR, at a Reception on 22 September 1964 on the Cyprus Question

This document was made possible with support from Blavatnik Family Foundation

RECORD OF A CONVERSATION BETWEEN N. S. KHRUSHCHEV AND ALI SABRI, PRIME MINISTER OF THE UAR, AT A RECEPTION on 22 September 1964 ON THE CYPRUS QUESTION*

*The record of the conversation was not distributed and was not reviewed by N. S. Khrushchev

N. S. KHRUSHCHEV Today and received a delegation of Cypriots. The leader of the delegation asked us for weapons. I replied that we can supply them with weapons either indirectly or through the United Arab Republic.

I also asked what weapons they needed. It turned out that they cannot own any other weapons except small arms.

A. SABRI It is necessary to have good military personnel in order to own modern weapons. But the training of such men costs a lot of money. When Makarios was in Alexandria he asked us for anti-aircraft missiles.

N. S. KHRUSHCHEV Missiles are not cigars. Makarios has an unserious approach.

The Cypriot authorities are making mistakes in questions of dealing with the Turkish Cypriots. For example, they shut off the water in the Turkish regions and obstructed the delivery of food. When I asked whether these things had taken place they denied [them]. But today when I asked they replied to me that in the past the Greeks had obstructed the supply of food and water to the Turks, but right now they are not doing this. It means that such measures have taken place. I told them directly that you will not achieve victory with such methods.

A. SABRI I agree with you. We completely share your opinion about the situation on Cyprus presented in your oral message to President Nasser. The military bases of the imperialists on Cyprus concern us most of all.

N. S. KHRUSHCHEV We approve of the policy of President Makarios and his desire to pursue a policy of neutrality and non-alignment [with] blocs. His statements for the elimination of military bases on the island also deserve approval.

If a division of the island occurs then the Greeks will not agree to the elimination of the British military base. That is why we should facilitate the preservation of the territorial integrity of the Cypriot Republic, which favors the elimination of the British base. But it already a lot to force Britain from Cyprus.

A. SABRI I agree with you.

Soviet Ambassador in the UAR V. Ya. Yerofeyev was present during the conversation.

The conversation was interpreted and recorded by O. G. Peresypkin, 3rd Secretary of the USSR MFA OBV [Near East Department].

 

[signature] (O. Peresypkin)

 

3yek/op

24 September 1964

Nº 01516/obv

[handwritten: outgoing N 0732/obv

22 September 1964]

This document records a 1964 conversation between Nikita Khrushchev and Ali Sabri, Prime Minister of the United Arab Republic (Egypt), regarding the escalating tensions between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. Both leaders express concern over British military presence on Cyprus, with Khrushchev emphasizing support for Cypriot neutrality and territorial integrity, and criticizing Greek actions against Turkish Cypriots. The discussion reflects shared interest in removing foreign bases from the island while managing regional stability.

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RGANI, f. 52, op. 1, d. 561, ll. 171-172. Contributed by Sergey Radchenko and translated by Gary Goldberg.

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2021-10-07

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280657

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Blavatnik Family Foundation