CAB148-30-Defence and Oversea Policy Committee Meetings Relating to 1967 Disturbances-1967 — Page 253

possibility that agreement on a settlement might be reached between all the parties concerned for the absorption of Cyprus into Greece. Although

is would not be well received in this country in view of the nature of the present Greek Government, we should not stand in its way but help bring it about on the justifiable grounds that it met the wishes of the parties concerned and served our own interests.

م

In discussion doubt was expressed whether any settlement of the

Cyprus problem could be reached without the agreement of Archbishop Makarios,

President of Cyprus, particularly in view of the reduced support that there

now appeared to be for union with Greece among the people of Cyprus. Our

position would be extremely difficult if an attempt was made to overthrow the Government of Cyprus: we should be asked for assistance and we had

formal treaty obligations to provide this. Although some of our forces

in the Island were under United Nations command and would only be involved if

the United Nations were to take action, we also had substantial forces in our

SBAS.

THE PRIME MINISTER, summing up the discussion, said that in view of the

assessment that a major change in the political status of Cyprus was unlikely and of the difficulty of foreseeing its nature and circumstances, we

should

not seek to decide in advance on the action we might take should

such a change take place.

The Committee

Took note of the Foreign Secretary's statement.

Cabinet Office, S.W.1.

28th July 1967

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