Office of the Historian

272. Letter From President Eisenhower to Field Marshal Montgomery1

Washington, December 11, 1957.

Your recent letter on Cyprus2 was very much appreciated here. Foster and I share your concern about the bad effect this controversy [Page 521] is having on the North Atlantic Alliance. I agree that some way has to be found to bring the Greeks and Turks closer together.

I have already tried to persuade both the Greeks and the Turks to restrain themselves in the debates of the United Nations General Assembly because, as you say, bitter debate there would make a solution more difficult and could further interfere with the working of our Alliance. I also have urged the Greek Government to keep E.O.K.A. from further violence.

You probably know that the United States is supporting Mr. Spaak’s efforts to find some common ground between the Turkish and Greek positions in the hope that these efforts may contribute to some solution. During the NATO Meeting in Paris we will encourage the Greeks and the Turks to talk to each other directly.

After the new Governor has had a chance to look over conditions on the Island and make his report to London, I think it might be worthwhile for us to go over with the British Government possible lines of action to see if there are ways in which we can further support Mr. Spaak’s effort and encourage the Greeks and Turks to make the sort of concessions of which you speak.

As I am sure you know I am ready to do whatever is right to do to bring an end to this quarrel.

I look forward to seeing you in a few days.

With warm regard,3

  1. Source: Eisenhower Library, White House Confidential Files. Secret.↩
  2. See Document 270.↩

  3. The source text is not signed. On December 15, Montgomery responded to Eisenhower’s letter:

    “I have just got your letter in answer to mine about Cyprus. I am so very glad to know that you agree.

    “I shall not see you again while you are in Paris; I have to go over to England tomorrow afternoon for certain commitments in connection with Christmas charities. I must be content with the glimpse of you at the airport yesterday; it was good to shake your hand again.”

    The source text is handwritten. (Eisenhower Library, White House Confidential Files)

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