144. Telegram From the Embassy in France to the Department of State1
Secto 25. Following NATO meeting October 25, Secretary met with Macmillan. Latter said he was seeing Greek FonMin October 26. Macmillan believes Cyprus situation is ready for next round and has indications they would like to have it calm down. First meetings between Harding and Archbishop went well. Harding said much same thing British had said before making effort find new formula for resolving issue between elections and self-determination. Harding trying drive wedge between Moderates presumably represented by Archbishop and two types extremists, Communists and ultra-Nationalists. Macmillan says he will tell Greek FonMin British desire reopen discussions. British position will be self-government now and willingness consider question self-determination later. They will aim at elections within next year or so, which might show strong Communist vote. This might help sober Moderates. While British want agreement with Greeks they must be careful to handle in way not to arouse Turks who have not been helpful.
Secretary said Greek FonMin made good impression on him in meeting previous day2 and that we have high regard for Greek PriMin; combination as good as likely to get. Secretary expressed hope progress could be made in Cyprus discussions. On question of self-determination, Secretary recalled Potomac Charter signed by [Page 311] Eisenhower and Churchill which contains phrase supporting independence those people capable sustaining it.3 Secretary suggested that phraseology might be basis of formula. Secretary also said he had mentioned to Greek FonMin many conflicting interests and cited as reason for caution British experience Suez Base where British moved out and Migs moved in as reason for caution. Secretary said he believed Greeks were aware of problem and he felt formula could be found combining principle with reality.