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

159. Telegram From the Department of State to the Consulate at Nicosia¹

Washington, February 1, 1956—3:59 p.m.

126. Your 185.² After discussing general idea of following with Governor you should, unless you believe it would not be helpful, talk to Makarios along following lines:

In Department’s view Archbishop would be well advised in interest improving over-all situation on island to make clear his acceptance of principles of formula as means by which Cypriots and British can start work of evolving form self-government which would be fair to all groups on Cyprus. By doing this he would reserve full rights Cypriots negotiate for type self-government best suited their needs. Negotiations on constitution would be test of whether principles in formula will actually be implemented. He also would ease present dangerous tensions by giving public indication progress already made. Reduction tensions would facilitate future negotiations.

You may add that Archbishop in approving general principles embodied in formula would not commit himself in advance to any particular form of constitution. This would be subject future negotiations within framework principles of formula. Also, if form of constitution is evolved through gradual negotiation it more apt to be useful than if Archbishop and his advisors hastily lay down conditions on which they require advance assent.

Department appreciates Archbishop’s desire see constitution before supporting formula, but suggests he would be in stronger position should he accept formula and reserve right negotiate on form self-government. If he publicly states in advance conditions under which self-government would be acceptable, he would be exposed criticism from extreme nationalists on grounds he did not ask for enough and from communists who would take same line in order stir up trouble and reduce chances acceptance.³

Dulles

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 747C.00/1–3056. Secret; Niact. Drafted by Wood. Repeated to Athens, London, and Ankara.
2. Telegram 185, January 30, reported a meeting between Makarios and Courtney. Among other things, the Archbishop indicated that as a statement of British policy, which he was not required to endorse, the British formula was now acceptable. Makarios noted, however, that the formula could not be “detached” from the nature of the proposed constitution and on this subject the British had not shown “good will”. (Ibid.)
3. In telegram 190, February 2, Courtney reported that he had met with Makarios and conveyed the Department instructions set forth in telegram 126. The Consul informed the Department that Makarios had indicated that he knew “beyond question” that London had no intention of implementing genuine self-government for Cyprus. According to Courtney, the Archbishop was not convinced by the Consul’s arguments that an acceptance of the principles of the British formula would be the first step toward the realization of that goal, would fully reserve Cypriot rights, and would result in negotiations which would provide a test of implementation and afford an opportunity to develop the best form of a constitution. (Ibid., 747C.00/2–256)