256. National Security Council Report1
Supplement to NSC
5718
Washington, August 5,
1957.
MEMORANDUM FOR THE NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
The National Security Council, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the
Director, Bureau of the Budget, at the 333rd Council meeting on August
1, 1957 (NSC Action No. 1763):
[Here follows NSC Action No. 1763; for
text, see footnote 3, Document 253.]
The President has this date approved the above actions. Accordingly, the
enclosed revised page 2 of the Supplement to NSC 5718, incorporating the amendment referred to in b
above, is transmitted herewith for insertion in all copies, with the
request that the superseded page be destroyed by burning, in accordance
with security regulations.
In accordance with c above, the Supplement to NSC 5718 is being referred to the Secretary of State for
his use in the conduct of future U.S. foreign relations with respect to
the Cyprus dispute.
S. Everett
Gleason
Acting
Executive Secretary
[Enclosure]
SUPPLEMENTARY STATEMENT OF U.S. POLICY TOWARD SETTLEMENT OF THE
CYPRUS DISPUTE
Objectives
- 1.
- Support concept of the attainment by the Cypriots of a
government of their own choice in a manner that will protect the
legitimate interests of our allies and of all groups on the
island.
- 2.
- Pursue policies designed to preserve NATO unity.
- 3.
- Support efforts to retain continued access to NATO members and continued denial
to the Soviet Bloc of the strategically important bases on
Cyprus.
- 4.
- Avoid involving the United States in a settlement that will
require significant U.S. economic or military support.
[Page 494]
Policy Guidance
- 5.
- Keep the primary responsibility for working out a peaceful
solution in the hands of the Cypriots and the three countries
primarily concerned. Be prepared to support a peaceful and
practical compromise solution acceptable to all interested
parties.
- 6.
- Support NATO efforts to
resolve the problem. Be prepared to use our influence in support
of a reasonable solution developed within the framework of
NATO good offices.
- 7.
- Encourage some form of direct negotiations among the British,
Greek, and Turkish Governments.
- 8.
- Encourage direct negotiations between the United Kingdom and
representatives of the Cypriot communities toward
self-government.
- 9.
- Encourage interested parties to enlist the support of the
Cyprus and Greek Orthodox Churches to any mutually acceptable
settlement.
- 10.
- Encourage interested parties to attempt to solve the problem
through quiet diplomacy rather than in the UN forums.
- 11.
- Encourage the British to remain as ruling power pending
agreement on the ultimate status of the island.
- 12.
- Preserve U.S. Government maneuverability by not freezing our
position for the present in favor of any specific formula. If
necessary to bring about a solution acceptable to the interested
parties, on terms which will strengthen NATO interests in the Mediterranean, be prepared to
give serious consideration to participating in arrangements
guaranteeing the interim or eventual status of Cyprus.
