Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Soviet Union, Eastern Mediterranean, Volume XXIV

193. Telegram From the Embassy in the United Kingdom to the Department of State¹

London, September 6, 1956—5 p.m.

1328. Vienna for Penfield. Regarding Deptel 1602.² I had long conversation today with Kirkpatrick and set forth U.S. concern at deterioration Greek Government position, referred to reports of recent conversations of Greeks with our Embassy Athens in which Greeks appeared prepared to take more reasonable attitude than heretofore with regard to Cyprus and emphasized our feeling that any opportunity to capitalize on such Greek conciliatory attitude toward solution of Cyprus problem should in our view be seized upon. I informed him that Greeks sent message to Secretary asking U.S. “mediation” but that U.S. has no present plan to accede to such request. I summarized substance Acting Secretary’s response, specifically our expression gratification at attitude Greek Government reflected in current proposals they have made to U.S. which I noted are largely consistent with British position as set forth to me by Kirkpatrick on various occasions….Regarding Cyprus I inquired extent of British current contact with Greek Government and whether British have any plans to take advantage present atmosphere to confer with Greeks specifically in regard to steps toward self-government on island.

Kirkpatrick …. confirmed that reports reaching British from Greek sources, including those from British Embassy Athens, suggest that Greek Government is currently taking line that it is prepared to support more reasonable arrangement for self-government than heretofore and not to insist on implementation of self-determination at this time…. practical steps would be either for Greeks to make their position public or at least to make known their attitude to Ethnarchy and Greek Cypriots. At present he said there is every evidence that Greek Government is continuing to take contrary line publicly and with Greek Cypriots. I suggested it might be difficult for Government of Greece to take public line until they are aware of whole nature of self-government package which is to be presented to Greek Cypriots but that it seemed to us that British might well explore possibilities more directly and more specifically with Greek Government now on basis of current indications of its attitude. I asked whether British have any intention of discussing with Greek Government Lord Radcliffe’s proposals for constitution. Kirkpatrick replied in negative. Radcliffe’s plan is to proceed to Cyprus second time within next 2 weeks and to endeavor to discuss his concepts with Greek Cypriots and other elements on island. Kirkpatrick said he would hope that if Greek Government’s attitude is genuine it might be possible for that government to facilitate such discussions rather than as at present letting it be known on island that Greeks coming forward for such discussions are traitors to Greek cause.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

…Kirkpatrick emphasized that British have not made any decision to go to UN. They are apparently concerned at possibility UN consideration would give Soviets undesirable opportunity to raise issues regarding Malaya and other empire areas. I reiterated United States concern that if Cyprus is taken to UN, United States and United Kingdom may find themselves separated on colonial aspects of problem, and inquired how British would envisage presenting case to UN in such fashion as to contribute to solution rather than as purely negative commendatory action.

Specifically I asked whether British would envisage seeking resolution favoring self-government. He doubted British would be prepared to go that far and again stated that no decision has been taken and matter still under consideration.

Conversation then turned to extent British current contact with Greek Government which I had mentioned earlier. Kirkpatrick said Embassy Athens has relatively normal contact and that there is some indication that Greeks are considering re-establishing Ambassador in London. He noted Greek opposition circles have been criticizing government on grounds that its views on Cyprus are now largely represented in London by British Parliamentary opposition elements and urging that Greek Ambassador return to London. I again took occasion to emphasize United States conviction that, whatever reasons for apparent more conciliatory attitude Greek Government and even if attitude is more apparent than real, interest of all dictate every effort be made to take all possible steps to ensure that no opportunity is overlooked to advance Cyprus problem toward solution. While I am not wholly sanguine that British disposed move ahead this matter as fast as we would like and while it is obvious that Suez developments have an impact on British thinking tending to make them even more cautious in taking any steps which would prejudice firmness of their control over Cyprus base at this time, it is my view that they are in fact steadily moving toward some sort of realistic constitution for island and that Lord Radcliffe’s efforts in that direction are being expedited. Subsequent to drafting the foregoing, Eden told me at lunch today that Harding is returning London next week to discuss constitution with Radcliffe. Eden agreed Greeks appear more conciliatory this moment and, although noting Cyprus problem not of importance Suez, professed concur my view that no opportunity should be lost to move toward solution and that critical situation regarding Suez itself makes progress in Cyprus issue more necessary. Have just received Deptel 1647.³ Believe substance thereof covered in my conversation with Kirkpatrick. I went over with him Greek proposals as set forth to us, specifically (1) reaffirmation of British acceptance principle self determination at appropriate time which seemed to be covered by Harding’s broadcast; (2) reservation to British of police powers for some period in addition to indefinite continuance defense and foreign affairs in British hands to reassure British and Turks that self government is not step on slippery slope to enosis, and (3) bi-cameral parliament with upper house having veto over minority rights, education, religion, etc. I indicated this position seemed generally close to line British have been taking for some time. As indicated above Kirkpatrick’s response was to effect that Greek professions in this direction would be more valuable and could be taken more seriously if they were prepared to state this position publicly or effectively to Greek Cypriots.

Barbour

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 747C.00/9–656. Secret. Repeated to Athens, Ankara, Paris, and Nicosia.
2. Printed as telegram 855, Document 191.
3. Not printed.