CYPRUS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP79R00890A001200010011-1
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 21, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 8, 2008
• Sequence Number: 11
• Publication Date: January 20, 1960
• Content Type: BRIEF

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C~f'AL 20 January 1960
I. Deadlock at last weekend's Cyprus conference (16-18 January)
in London resulted primarily from failure to reach agreement
on size of British military bases to be retained on island
after independence. Informal meetings between British and
Cypriots continue in London. Size of sovereign areas to be
retained are directly related to willingness of Cypriots to
make certain facilities available to British military on
rest of Cyprus.
A. British took firm position at conference. They warned
that failure to accept their demands could result in
cancellation entire Cyprus agreement of last February.
1. This agreement provided that Britain retain sovereignty
over two military bases--army base near Dhekelia and
air base near Akrotiri--and would have certain rights 25X1
in other parts of island; e.g., use of roads, ports,
of bases were not drawn, however.
01' existing small military installations, etc. Boundaries
c7c r 2. At conference, British insisted on bases covering about
120 square miles. British military reportedly insist
on this as minimum practical area.
3. British made small concessions regarding agricultural
land near bases and offered to rehouse, outside of
bases, several hundred Cypriots now living in area
claimed by UK.
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B. Archbishop Markarios has insisted on restricting British
sovereignty to about 40 square miles but indicated will-
ingness to grant other facilities on island.
1. Both Communists and extreme nationalists on Cyprus
and General Grivas in Athens have warned Makarios
against concessions on size of bases.
2. Failure of Makarios to obtain concessions from UK
would weaken his position and possible splinter his
moderate party to the advantage of both the Communists
and far right.
3. One possible benefit from conference was its contribu-
tion to apparently growing collaboration of Greek and
Turkish Cypriots.
II. Eventually some type agreement appears almost certain and
independence by 19 March--the new target date--now appears
likely.
A. Spirit of good-will demonstrated throughout conference
despite disagreements. All sides appear anxious for
settlement.
1. British have only skeleton administrative staff re-
maining on Cyprus.
2. Cypriots desire take over government as soon as possible
and present delay has caused disillusionment among
people on island.
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B. Compromise may involve restricting sovereign area
but providing long lease on area areas desired by
British.
C. Financial arrangements, some payment by British for use
of facilities on island, would make compromise easier
for Cypriots to accept.
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