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

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

Washington, September 16, 1957—6:57 p.m.

2154. London 1778, 1812, 1846, 1856.² For Barbour. Your prompt and full reports on London talks appreciated. Ideas of condominium and alternative NATO roles particularly interesting. We agree on desirability concluding bilateral talks before UNGA opens and suggest this be done along following lines.

A. Inform British we find condominium concept an interesting one and we would like see this idea developed more fully. If this concept should be pursued we agree with Barbour’s suggestion Spaak might better put it to Greeks and Turks as his own idea. We would inform Spaak British discussed idea with us, that we found it of interest as another approach to a possible solution to Cyprus problem that is worthy further development, that we have asked to be kept informed as it is developed, and that we would be particularly interested learning Spaak’s reaction to it.

B. Endeavor develop further British thinking on details of condominium: (1) At first sight condominium appears to be interim arrangement. Do British in fact envisage its continuing indefinitely? How will time element be defined to Greeks and Turks? (2) Are British aware Turks have mentioned condominium off and on over past several years and might not apparent British adoption Turk idea militate against its acceptance by Greeks? FYI. It appears likely British have in fact already discussed this with Turks. End FYI. In any event we would hope for time being British would discourage Turks from publicly supporting condominium. (3) How would condominium’s sponsor reassure Greeks they would not be outvoted by UK and Turks within condominium. FYI. In event UK Labor Party comes into power condominium might offer more opportunities for ultimate solution favorable to Greece. Greeks might not therefore reject condominium out of hand. End FYI. (4) Ascertain more precisely NATO role and relationship in establishing condominium, adjudicating disputes, and providing for military defense. Believe suggestion that differences between co-domini be settled by arrangement involving NATO countries other than UK, Greece, and Turkey requires early study particularly as to organizational framework within NATO for handling such disputes. (5) How would condominium be negotiated? It occurs to us Spaak might take lead in negotiations of Trieste-type.³ Account should be taken of role Cypriot groups would play in negotiations and how, if at all, church and/or ethnarchy might be identified with agreement in order forestall continuation enosis campaign and consequent continued exacerbation Greek-Turkish community relations.

C. Follow up on Barbour’s expression of “interest in exploring some other kind NATO relationship to Cyprus” (para 2 London 1812).

D. In any further discussions of independence, take into account USG reservations on this solution reflected in NSC supplement on Cyprus⁴ and fact that since arrival in US,⁵Makarios has publicly coupled independence and enosis as acceptable solution Cyprus problem. Enosis and independence as ultimate solutions likely to be equally unacceptable to Turks, for present at least. Condominium or some other type of interim arrangement (also perhaps involving NATO) might provide useful cooling off period that would enable Greeks and Turks to get together in time on ultimate status that might include a Greek quid pro quo acceptable to Turks in return for ultimate enosis. While not ruling out independence, we believe enosis on this basis offers more hope for long term area stability than independence. We doubt Cypriots equipped for immediate independence, guaranteed or otherwise, and fear chaos would result. Immediate independence under some sort of tutelage partakes character of self-government and might better be considered in that context.

E. Indicate to British we would like “details to be provided and forwarded” (para 5 London 1778) on future UK base requirements to include comparative figures showing present and future estimates of British military expenditures in Cyprus and how British believe gap could be met without reduction of present standard of living on island. We would welcome any British staff studies supporting their thinking on future viability of island and possible lines for sharing financial and other responsibilities among co-domini.

F. Endeavor obtain a fuller British estimate Communist capabilities and present Communist tactics on Cyprus.

G. Inform British our UNGA position under active study here and we in contact with their delegation in New York.

H. Obtain agreement with British on separate approaches to Spaak following conclusion meeting. Williams authorized proceed Paris to assist Perkins in connection such talks with Spaak as might be agreed. Instructions will follow for Perkins.

Express gratification over this opportunity to have had such useful exchange views with British and leave door open to resumption as occasion warrants at later date.

Murphy

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 747C.00/9–1357. Secret; Niact; Limited Distribution. Repeated to Ankara, Athens, Paris Topol, and Nicosia.
2. Telegram 1778, September 11, transmitted the highlights of the first session of talks on Cyprus between the United States and the United Kingdom. (Ibid., 747C.00/ 9–1157) Telegram 1812, September 12, conveyed the results of the second session of talks. (Ibid., 747C.00/9–1257) Telegrams 1846 and 1856, September 13, transmitted the highlights of the third and fourth sessions of the talks. (Ibid.,747C.00/9–1357)
3. Presumably a reference to the secret talks held in London by the American negotiator Llewellyn Thompson, and the British negotiator, Geoffrey Harrison, first with Yugoslav representatives, February–May 1954, and then with Italian representatives, June–August 1954. The talks led to a resolution of the Trieste dispute in October 1954. For documentation on these talks, see Foreign Relations, 1952–1954, vol. VIII, pages 365 ff. and 439 ff.
4. Document 256.
5. On September 12, Makarios arrived in the United States to campaign for the independence of Cyprus and to collaborate with the Greek Delegation to the Twelfth Session of the U.N. General Assembly, which opened on September 17. Makarios was received in New York City by both Mayor Robert Wagner and Governor Harriman. The Archbishop appeared on NBC’s “Meet the Press” and addressed the National Press Club in Washington. Makarios left the United States in December.