Page:Ford, British Foreign Minister James Callaghan - September 24, 1974(Gerald Ford Library)(1552801).pdf/2

 The Europeans are ambivalent about the United States. We want you to take the lead but are a bit put out when you do. The Soviet Union accentuated it today. Gromyko today spoke to the U.S., not the UN. This irritates the others, and you, on occasion, have to take on more than it is worth.

We understand, but the American people don't always rise up in wrath when they are criticized. But we are getting more emotional.

European unity hasn't really gotten going. It is an agreed idea, but is a little different when you come right down to it. Harold and I see the Europeans working closer and closer, but not in unison. We see there will be some states still, but working together.

We have those here who are pushing Atlantic Union, but it can't be sold at least now.

Of course, but people like George Ball tried to push the United Europe too much. I think it was counterproductive.

Anytime the U.S. expresses an opinion on things like this, it can be so.

Seriously, we welcome your leadership. We'll kick when we get it but if you will just listen to us a bit, we'll be all right.

We won't be thin-skinned. We politicians learn that.

You have President Truman's picture up; you know what he said. I thought I was thick-skinned -- but Gunes!

What is your appraisal of how things are going on Cyprus?

There can be nothing before the Greek elections. They must first cut off from the Greek colonels. I think we're thinking the same on this -- to move slowly.

Are Denktash and Clerides doing okay?

Left to themselves, they would solve it. Makarios is the problem. It has been estimated he would be back in Cyprus in'a month and move from far left to far right. I think he now is a national leader again.