Cyprus

Abstract

A more typical colonial problem arose at this time over Cyprus. Here the conflict about the role the organization should play, always complex and contentious in such cases was more than usually difficult. For it was, in two senses, unlike most other colonial questions. First, the entire dispute in this case had a clear international dimension, since it closely concerned at least two outside powers, Greece and Turkey, in addition to Britain, the metropolitan power. Secondly, the main political demand, both within the territory and at the UN, was not, as in most other areas, a simple request for independence, but for union with another state.