Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Volume X, Part 1, Eastern Europe Region; Soviet Union; Cyprus

285. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom⁰

Washington, October 31, 1958.

4337. Deptel Presidential Handling 4231. Deliver following message to Prime Minister Macmillan from President. Confirm date and time delivery.

“October 31, 1958

Dear Harold:

Thank you for your message of October twenty-seventh¹ about the setback to the effort to get a conference about Cyprus under way.

I can readily understand your disappointment at the sudden decision of the Greek Government not to participate in a conference, especially in light of the long and painstaking discussions in the North Atlantic Council and the considerable efforts at compromise which your Government has made in the course of these discussions. We too were greatly disappointed by the Greek Government’s decision, and we have made our disappointment known to the Greeks.²

We share your belief that there is probably little advantage to be gained in pressing the Greeks further at this time to attend a conference, and we also share your hope that a conference may yet be possible. In spite of our disappointment with the Greeks, we believe that it is very important to keep open the door to further NATO talks on Cyprus. To this end we hope that it will be possible to avoid any action by NATO which could create the impression that NATO is opposed to Greece on this issue. Within recent weeks, we have noticed a healthier and less suspicious attitude on the part of the Greek Government toward the idea of NATO consultation with regard to Cyprus. This new attitude should, in our opinion, be encouraged, since it holds forth the possibility of eventual further productive talks under the aegis of NATO.

I admire your refusal to be disheartened by recent Cyprus developments and your determination to continue to work toward a settlement of this vastly difficult problem. For our part, we always shall be ready to help whenever and however we appropriately can.

With warm regard,

As ever, Ike”

Observe Presidential Handling.

Dulles

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 747C.00/10–3158. Secret; Presidential Handling.
1. Document 283.
2. Assistant Secretary of State Rountree expressed U.S. disappointment during an October 27 meeting with the Greek Ambassador. A memorandum of this conversation is in Department of State, Central Files, 747C.00/10–2758.