CYPRUS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP79R00890A001200020010-1
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 21, 2016
• Sequence Number: 10
• Content Type: BRIEF

Approved For Release 2008/06/26: CIA-RDP79ROO89OA001200020010-1
DISC BRIEFING a/ 2 'ebr!iary 196)(_P
ACICG,Ot7ND
1. Deadlock continues in British-Cypriot negotiations; J.nformal
conversations continue.
A. Primary issue is extent and administration of 3ritish mili ,ry
bases to be retained on Cyprus after independence.
B. Another dispute involves Cypriot demand that British may "1cnt"
of 3 million sterling for British presence.
C. Many other issues, including facilities to be provided 3riti~3h
outside Base areas, were largely resolved during recent talc
II. British are taking firm position on extent of bases. Claim tha,
defense requirements make further concessions impossible. Are
willing to delegate--but not transfer--most of civil administraliioni
over base areas to Cypriots.
A. Cyprus agreement of February 1959 provided that Britain retai-i
sovereignty over two military bases--army base near Dhekelia
and air base near Akrotiri--and would have certain rights
in other parts
small military
of island; e.g., use of roads, ports, exi
installations, etc. Boundaries of bases
not drawn, however.
British are insisting
Intend to keep 20,000
British have made some
bases covering
troops
offered to give Cypriots t; million
tint:
about 120 square miles,
on other issues. Nave
sterling over next five
years but object in principle--as well as to amount demanded--
to paying "rent."
British claim Greek and Turkish governments and Turkish Cypricts
are willing to accept present British demands.
25 YEAR RE-REVIEW
Approved For Release 2008/06/26: CIA-RDP79ROO89OA001200020010-1
 Approved For Release 2008/06/26: CIA-RDP79ROO89OA001200020010-1
III. Archbishop Makarios insists on restricting British sovereignty
to about 40 square miles anc? the transfer--not delemation--of
civil administration over area to Cypriots.
A. Both Communists and extreme nationalists on Cyprus and Gen,!-1-al
Grivas in Athens have warned Makarios against concessions t).r
size of bases.
3. Further concessions by Makarios would weaken his r)osition vl d
possibly splinter his moderate party to the advantage of beth
the Communists and far right before the first pariiamentarF
elections on Cyprus.
C, One possible benefit from conference was its contribution 1(-,
growing collaboration of Greek and Turkish Cypriots.
IV. Eventually an agreement appears almost certain but it must be reached
by 7 February if independence is to be granted by 19 larch--the iew
target date. Otherwise independence will be postponed for at least
another 2 months.
A. Spirit of good-will demonstrated throughout conference despi'e
disagreements. All sides appear anxious for settlement.
1, British have only skeleton administrative staff remaainiiu?:
on Cyprus.
2. Cypriots desire take over government as soon as possibL.. and
and present delay has caused disillusionment among peop:.E_1
on island.
3. Further postponement of independence could have serious
effect on communal relations.
4. British victory on bases issue would be hollow if presei_t
Cypriot leadership is so weakened that it is followed b,
government hostile to both British and Western interest.;.
Approved For Release 2008/06/26: CIA-RDP79ROO89OA001200020010-1