174. Message From Secretary of State Dulles to Foreign Secretary Lloyd1
Dear Selwyn: I continue to be apprehensive with regard to the many facets of the Cyprus question which are of the utmost [Page 363] importance not only to Britain, but also to the entire Western Alliance. As you know from our several talks on the subject I am well aware of the difficulties which it presents to you. I have clearly in mind the importance of Cyprus as a British base.
I would greatly appreciate hearing from you with regard to the results of any further examination of this problem which you and your colleagues may have made in light of our conversation in Paris,2 and of recent events in Cyprus and Greece.3
It would seem that now, even more than when we spoke about it on May 3, would be a propitious time to take steps which might break what appears to be a deadlock between violence and its suppression. In considering such steps I hope that the possibility of finding some way to resume negotiations with Archbishop Makarios will not be excluded. I realize that this presents very great difficulties, but it seems to me improbable that another person can in present or foreseeable circumstances carry on negotiations in his absence with any degree of support among the Cypriots. Such a person would have to win away the loyalty which the Archbishop now receives from the Greek populace and, during a time when passions are high, achieve a reasonable understanding which would be supported by the people.
I am taking the opportunity to write you again on this unhappy subject in the earnest belief that a frank exchange of views is in our mutual interest. I would also reiterate that we stand ready to use our best influence to facilitate the attainment of an understanding.4
Sincerely yours,
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 747C.00/6–656. Secret. Transmitted in telegram 7372 to London.↩
- Reported in Secto 8, May 4. (Ibid., 747c.00/5–456)↩
- Presumably a reference to the increase in terrorism and communal tension on Cyprus in April and May. On May 27, as a result of opposition to the Greek Government’s policies on Cyprus, Theotokis resigned. The government was accused of failing to support the case of self-determination for Cyprus.↩
- In telegram 5664, June 7, Aldrich informed the Department that he had delivered Dulles’ message to Kirkpatrick in Lloyd’s absence. According to the Ambassador, Kirkpatrick emphasized two points: first, that the “Turkish factor” had not been given sufficient consideration, perhaps because the Turks were less “vociferous” than the Greeks; second, that from the British point of view, the restoration of public order was essential. (Department of State, Central Files, 747C.00/6–756)↩