Office of the Historian

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

Washington, October 1, 1958, 4:34 p.m.

3304. Re Calhoun-Barbour telephone conversation, following is message from the President to Prime Minister Macmillan. Advise date time delivery.

“October 1, 1958

Dear Harold:

Thank you for your message about Cyprus which Harold Caccia gave to me on September twenty-fourth.1 I am grateful to you for giving me your thoughts on the way you intend to proceed on this difficult matter.

Much has happened since your letter arrived. Just after receiving it, the news came of Mr. Spaak’s trip to Athens and his proposal for a conference.2 In fact I have delayed replying to your letter until we could have some better idea of what might come of that proposal. Foster has been in close touch with Selwyn and with Harold Caccia on these new developments and we have appreciated their receptiveness [Page 719] to suggestions we have made from time to time. I have made clear to the Greeks that they need a sense of proportion in this matter and should not sacrifice their ancient heritage of democracy, and their new bonds in NATO.3

At the moment there seems a chance that a basis for further discussions between your Government and Greece and Turkey can be found. We most assuredly hope that this much can be accomplished and have stated in the North Atlantic Council our willingness to help in whatever way may be appropriate.

With warm regard,

As ever, Ike”

Observe Presidential Handling.

Dulles
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 747C.00/10–158. Secret; Presidential Handling.↩
  2. Document 262.↩
  3. See Document 261.↩
  4. Reference is to Eisenhower’s September 30 letter to King PAUL, Document 270.↩