Britain and Cyprus, 1955-1959: Key Themes on the Counter-Insurgency Aspects of the Cyprus Revolt

Abstract

The present analysis aims to produce a penetrating enquiry of selected aspects of the British security efforts during the conflict, which proved to be crucial in the British failure to maintain their position in Cyprus and helped widen the divide between the British and the Greek-Cypriot population. In this regard, the historical background to the rebellion is reconstructed, focusing on Britain’s strategic plans for Cyprus and how these plans contradicted the political desires of Greek-Cypriots. The research agenda also includes the utility of imposing Law and Order, which was at the core of London’s preoccupation with a final settlement of the Cyprus Question. Special mention is made of the measures undertaken to strengthen the Police and the Army as forces of Law and Order. In the final segment, the British counter-insurgency effort is placed under critical examination.