Office of the Historian

258. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom1

Washington, August 29, 1957—7:19 p.m.

1707. Deptel 1379;2 London tel 1247.3 Secretary has approved idea informal secret talks with UK re Cyprus on following basis and British Embassy here so informed:

A.
We welcome invitation to exchange further views on Cyprus question on an informal and secret basis.
B.
We regard such discussions as exploratory only and a continuation of regular diplomatic exchanges we and British have conducted on this problem.
C.
We hope there will be no suggestion that talks procedurally constitute a development sufficiently formal as to raise apprehensions, should their secrecy be violated, that we and British are undertaking to reach a substantive solution to exclusion of Greeks and Turks on a matter involving their interests.
D.
That Barbour will attend for United States, assisted as appropriate by a Departmental officer cognizant latest Dept. views.

You authorized inform Foreign Office Barbour prepared participate in talks within context foregoing.4 Ascertain time British wish start talks and information on British representation.

Instructions follow for Barbour’s use in talks.

Dulles
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 747C.00/8–1957. Secret; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Wood. Also sent to Paris Topol and repeated to Athens, Ankara, and Nicosia.↩
  2. In telegram 1379 to London, August 17, the Department informed the Embassy that Wiggin had informed the Department that Great Britain was interested in beginning secret talks with the United States on Cyprus whether or not the Greeks agreed to attend the proposed London Conference. (Ibid.,747C.00/8–1757)↩
  3. In telegram 1247 from London, August 19, the Embassy reported, that the latest British move to begin secret talks with the United States represented determination to advance a solution on Cyprus. The Embassy added that the United States should welcome an opportunity for discussion but that discussions should be viewed as a continuation of regular diplomatic discussions rather than constituting any new procedure. (Ibid., 747C.00/8–1957)↩

  4. On August 30, Caccia delivered the following message from Macmillan to Dulles:

    “I am very glad to hear that you have agreed to informal, secret and exploratory talks with us about Cyprus. You know how much I believe that we must try to work together on this as on other matters and talk with frankness and confidence.

    “But this is, of course, a matter of the greatest delicacy for us. I know that you understand that secrecy is vital, but I should be grateful if you would ensure that knowledge of our conversations is kept to the smallest possible circle as it will be on our side.” (Ibid., Presidential Correspondence: Lot 66 D 204, Macmillan to Dulles Correspondence 1955–1959)

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