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

199. Telegram From the Department of State to Secretary of State Dulles, at Paris⁰

Washington, May 9, 1958, 8:16 p.m.

Tosec 82. Suggest you may wish Embassy London to reiterate strong doubts you expressed Lloyd (Secto 8)¹ regarding feasibility of 3-power condominium as solution for Cyprus problem. We believe condominium plan presents many serious problems. Among these is question of where ultimate authority lies in event of dispute between co-domini or in case of crisis on island. (Deptel 2592 to London, Oct 7, 1957 rptd info Paris Topol 960)² To make it work Governor would need strong support from participating powers and general acceptance of both Greek and Turkish Cypriots. Before turning to condominium, which is virtually certain to be rejected by Greeks with violent reaction in both Greece and Cyprus, we suggest that it may be worthwhile to test further possibility of proposal which involves affording Turks a base on island in lieu of partition. We believe this proposal has considerable merit and are not convinced it cannot be made acceptable to other parties.

If British would consider it useful at this time, would be willing to resume type of general discussions with British conducted September 1957 between Barbour and Hoyer-Millar on Cyprus problem.³

If Secretary agrees with above request permission repeat Cyprus portion Secto 8 and Secto 16⁴ to [from] London.

Herter

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 747C.00/5–958. Secret; Priority; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Williams, Laingen, and Dale and cleared by Kohler and Calhoun. Dulles arrived in Paris on May 8 to attend the Western European Chiefs of Mission meeting May 9–12.
1. Secto 8 from London, May 5, summarized Dulles’ May 4 conversation with Lloyd (see Document 197). (Department of State, Conference Files: Lot 63 D 123, CF 1010)
2. For text, see Foreign Relations, 1955–1957, vol. XXIV, pp. 508–510.
3. See ibid., p. 500.
4. Secto 16 from London, May 5, reported on U.S.-U.K. discussions on the specifics of the Macmillan plan. (Department of State, Conference Files: Lot 63 D 123, CF 1007)