Office of the Historian

132. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom1

Washington, September 17, 1955—7:18 p.m.

1516. In reply personal message to Secretary from Macmillan delivered by British Embassy September 15 requesting US vote against inscription Cyprus item in GA agenda,2 following letter from Secretary delivered today to British Embassy here for urgent transmittal to Foreign Secretary:

Begin text:

I returned last night from my vacation, and at once considered the Cyprus matter in light of your personal message to me.

It would be contrary to our general policy to oppose inscription. Indeed, I do not now recall that we have ever done so. We are also deeply concerned as to repercussions in Greece and on Greek relations with its NATO partners of a negative vote by the United States. Can you quickly tell me what your Government is planning to say in the General Committee as to your program for Cyprus? If this is to be something reasonably precise and constructive, it would certainly help us in coming to a conclusion. If you have your statement already prepared and can get it to us by Monday noon, [Page 294] that would be useful so that I can discuss it with my associates here before leaving for New York Monday afternoon. End text.

Dulles
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 747C.00/9–1755. Secret; Limit Distribution. The text of the message was delivered to the British Embassy in Washington for transmittal to Macmillan.↩
  2. Supra.↩