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

232. Memorandum of a Conversation, Mid-Ocean Club, Bermuda, March 21, 1957, 3:45 p.m.¹

Bermuda, March 21, 1957, 3:45 p.m.

[Here follow a list of participants and discussion of unrelated matters.]

The question of Cyprus was discussed next. Selwyn Lloyd began by stating that the British welcomed Ismay’s initiative, but unfortunately the Greeks turned it down although their reply may not be final. He believed that the Turks would accept Ismay’s initiative, and mentioned the other details of the British statement on Cyprus just made in London.²

The President said that he had received many representations from various sources emphasizing that if Makarios were returned to Cyprus, real progress toward a solution of the present problem could start.

Selwyn Lloyd replied that Makarios had been the origin and foundation of terrorism in Cyprus, that there were now indications that this terrorism was failing, and that not all Cypriots are prepared to accept Makarios as their spokesman. The British think that terrorism is much weaker now than before, and that the populace of Cyprus is getting fed up with it. Lloyd added that the British believe that the Turks take Cyprus very seriously and would be unwilling to let Greece have this island, which is so close to their coast. The British therefore regard themselves as a sort of “trustee”.

The Prime Minister confirmed that the British are not greatly interested in Cyprus except for the military importance of the island, a factor which is changing and probably now less than before. Were it not for the Turks, the British probably would have gone much further by now toward a solution. Macmillan also emphasized that he is not without hope that Makarios may accept the latest British offer.

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

The Prime Minister and President agreed that the military importance of Cyprus today has become rather less, though it was still useful to have a base there.

The Prime Minister urged that the US should try and influence the Greeks to accept Ismay’s initiative.

The President indicated that he would certainly be willing to consider doing this, and urged the British to free Makarios. In any case, he added, the US believes what the British leaders have just said about their real aims regarding Cyprus, is sympathetic with the British problem in Cyprus, and would certainly do its best to try and help.

[Here follows discussion of unrelated matters.]

1. Source: Department of State, Conference Files: Lot 62 D 181, CF 866. Secret. Extract. Drafted by Morris.
2. Lennox-Boyd noted that the British were prepared to release Makarios if he agreed to renounce the use of terrorism. For text of the Colonial Secretary’s statement, see Documents (R.I.I.A.) for 1957, pp. 411–412.