58. Telegram From the Embassy in the United Kingdom to the Department of State1

6120. Deptel 7854.2 In as much as Under Secretary Ball did not have opportunity raise subject of reftel with British during his crowded visit to London, Jernegan, Sisco and Eilts raised it today with Dodson (Counselor, Central Dept) and Wood of FonOff. We stressed that while appreciating great difficulties under which British soldiers are laboring in Cyprus, US is convinced that British element in UNPKF is key to success of peacekeeping effort. Any suggestion therefore of reduction of size British component creates greatest misgivings in US. We believe 7,000 man UNPKF needed to carry out mission and are concerned that UNPKF troop strength is slipping below this minimum level.

Dodson said HMG is operating on premise that UNPKF is essential to peace of Eastern Mediterranean and acknowledged that British element is major factor therein. Same time HMG has been concerned about treatment meted out to British troops by Cypriots and at suggestion that Makarios may attempt blackball further British military participation in UNPKF. In this connection, he cited Georgatizis statement following arrest of RAF Airman Marley that latter’s activities called into question further utility of British element in UNPKF, and more recent comment of Kyprianou to UK HICOM that GOC has not yet decided whether British should remain in UNPKF. Dodson pointed out HMG would not wish public rebuff by GOC re British participation.

Dodson said British element is now some 1800 strong. He claimed reduction of British element has in past been geared into availability other units from elsewhere. He said HMG has now taken policy decision that it is willing to continue in UNPKF, but for tactical reasons connected with its unwillingness incur GOC rebuff, has told SYG continuation UK participation depends entirely on him. By playing reluctant, HMG believes SYG more likely make clear importance British element to success of UNPKF. Re numbers, Dodson claimed Gyani came up with suggestion only 1200 British troops needed, e.g. one infantry battalion, two armored scout car squadrons and supporting troops. This estimate based on Gyani’s apparent belief additional Irish or Danish troops will become available. HMG now awaiting word from SYG re his wishes on British participation.

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We stressed to Dodson that Dept has no information to suggest GOC might seek to blackball British participation. We reiterated great importance USG attaches to such British participation. We recalled two British troop reductions had taken place without our being consulted. We emphasized our strong hope that before any further reductions are decided upon, HMG consult with us. We also emphasized any further British reductions should be phased into availability other units and noted our impression SYG not likely obtain any substantial increase in other national contingents.

Dodson claimed British troop reductions arranged by UK military officer (Bailey) working with Rikhye in New York and seemed to assume matter should have been discussed with us there. He took note our point, however, and we are hopeful British now appreciate more fully great importance we attach to matter and will in future keep in closer touch with us on this one.

Bruce
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 23–8 CYP. Secret. Repeated to Nicosia, Athens, Ankara, USUN, and Geneva for Ball.
  2. Telegram 7854 to London, May 29, instructed the Ambassador to stress U.S. concern regarding plans for British troop reductions in Cyprus. (Ibid.)