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

355. Telegram From the Consulate General in Nicosia to the Department of State⁰

Nicosia, July 8, 1960, 1 p.m.

16. Rome for Liaison. Now that agreement reached, Cypriots beginning tackle internal problems including establishment Cyprus Army. Believe we should no longer postpone informing Archbishop United States not providing military equipment he requested. As reported Contel 458¹ Archbishop certain to inquire about other possible U.S. assist-ance. This issue receiving increasing attention locally with nearly daily press commentaries and reminders of aid expected from United States. Example, English and Greek papers July 7 quick to quote New York Times editorial² suggesting “material aid” might be forthcoming from U.S. on proclamation independence.

If Archbishop raises question, propose take line that U.S. of course interested in economic well-being and viability of Republic. However we believe premature discuss possible U.S. aid program until Republic has had opportunity 1) canvass all aid possibilities from U.K., Greek and Turk Governments which directly concerned, 2) program spending of 12 million pounds British assistance during first 5 years, 3) study effects on economy of estimated 15 million pounds annual British military spending, 4) assess its own resources and needs which better judged after completion U.N. economic survey scheduled this fall. Meanwhile we prepared continue and possibly increase scope of exchange of persons program as well as consider PL 480 and Eximbank and DLF loans as outlined Deptel 271.³

Before seeing Archbishop, would be helpful have report from Department on status our recommendations for modest TC program (Contel 458). Since meeting with Archbishop cannot be deferred much longer, appreciate Department’s reply soonest.⁴

Heck

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 747C.5–MSP/7–860. Secret. Repeated to London, Ankara, Athens, Paris for USRO, and Rome.
1. Document 352.
2. The New York Times, July 6, 1960.
3. Dated March 10. (Department of State, Central Files, 747C.56/3–1060)
4. In telegram 13 to Nicosia, July 13, the Department approved Heck’s proposed reply to Makarios except the phrase “premature discuss possible U.S. aid program.” The Department instructed Heck to state that the United States was prepared to provide a “modest” technical assistance program. (Ibid., 747C.5–MSP/7–860)