849C.01/8–348: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Greece
1132. Brit FonOff disturbed at recent publicity regarding Cyprus touched off by reported views King Paul in NY Times article. Dept informed by Brit Emb rep that Bevin’s reactions, already conveyed officially to Grk Govt by Brit Emb Athens, have been transmitted to you for your info.
In view strategic importance Cyprus and mutual US–UK interest in maintenance stability there, Brit hope we will back them up by indicating to Greeks our disapproval of exploitation Cyprus question at this time.
If suitable opportunity arises you may in your discretion express to appropriate Grk officials opinion that, though future status of Cyprus is primarily Anglo-Greek problem, agitation of question at this time would appear be disadvantageous to Greece and Western democracies, all of whom have common desire for maintenance stability in Eastern Mediterranean. Grk Govt has been wise, we feel, to take public position, as stated in Sophoulis announcement Aug 3 [4],1 that active discussion Cyprus question at this time not in best interests Greece or friendly allies who are assisting Greece to resist aggression.
-
Mr. Sophoulis stated: “What the Greek people think about the Cyprus question is known to all . . . . Consequently what HM the King said in a friendly interview with a foreign press correspondent is nothing more than a repetition of the expression of the unanimous national feeling.
“However, bearing in mind the present delicate circumstances and the necessity for the preservation of an unhindered and sincere cooperation with the great allies, upon which the favorable solution of all our national problems depends, the Greek Government is obliged to point out to all concerned that, under present conditions, further rousing of public opinion on the Cyprus question does not promote the matter but on the contrary runs the risk of damaging the international position of our country.” (telegram 1514, August 5, from Athens, 849C.01/8–548)
↩