A Spectator's Notebook
I TRUST Sir Hugh Foot's return to Cyprus is a good omen: that he has gone back because he knows the Government is going to take action rather than that he has been sent back because the Government has not made up its mind. It is being suggested that the Government does not dare to act for fear of rebellion among its supporters; but seeing what its supporters have put up with recently without rebelling this need not be taken too seriously. Besides, the appointment of Sir Hugh as Governor would have had no meaning if there was no intention of a change in policy. My impression is that unless anything serious happens, the emergency will soon be ended and Archbishop Makarios allowed to return. The only obvious reason for delay will be if the Turks showed willingness to come to terms first. But this is not likely. The Turks may legitimately argue that having been encouraged by the British Government to be intransigent for so long, there is no reason why they should back-pedal now. It will take firmness by the British Government, coupled with pressure by Mr. Dulles on his visit to Ankara, if they are going to be persuaded to see reason.
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