Office of the Historian

194. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in France1

Washington, September 8, 1956—4:14 p.m.

907. Holmes and principal officers only. Following message for Julius Holmes:

Secretary authorizes you explore Cyprus problem secretly and at highest level with Governments concerned along lines suggested in NEA memorandum September 42 which you saw before your departure. You should be present with Senator George in Paris at time answers to US questionnaire are discussed with Wisemen September [Page 404] 17.3 We believe you could undertake Cyprus mission at any time thereafter. You should seek for and attempt widen such areas of common understanding as exist and may form basis for solution. You may find progress on Cyprus being hindered more by lack private communication than by lack common ground. You should base yourself on general US position set forth in President’s letter February 20, 1956 to Prime Minister Karamanlis4 and NE A memorandum of September 4. These documents being pouched to you separately Paris. Ben Wood available as you require him.

You should not attempt formal mediation which would require prior consent all parties, but suggest rather your mission should in beginning be primarily exploratory. You should talk with HMG before going to Athens or Ankara and should proceed latter capitals only if British do not object. Suggest use NATO cover as appropriate, perhaps indicating visits Athens and Ankara for orientation purposes in connection your NATO responsibilities. You should of course report on your findings and give us your suggestions before assuming commitments.

Other addressees: Existence above authorization must be kept absolutely secret. Assist Holmes as needed. Background by pouch.

Dulles
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 120.1540/9–856. Top Secret; Limited Distribution. Drafted by Williams, Wood, and Rountree. Repeated to London, Ankara, and Nicosia.↩
  2. Document 192.↩
  3. Senator George was appointed by Eisenhower as the President’s personal representative and special ambassador to advise him on the activities of the Committee on Non-Military Cooperation in NATO. The Committee of Three had circulated questionnaires to the member states to solicit their views and announced it would hold meetings in Paris to discuss the replies. The U.S. Delegation was composed of Senator George, Ambassador Perkins, and Julius Holmes. The delegation left for London and Paris on August 31.↩
  4. Document 161.↩