The Cyprus Issue in Australian Politics: PASEKA & SEKA (SA) Perspectives

Abstract

While the ALP supported the decolonisation and independence of Cyprus in the 1950s, the Menzies Liberal-Country Party coalition government, with the escalation of the Cold War, condemned Cypriot freedom fighters of the late 1950s as terrorists. However, Menzies' commitment to mutual Anglo-Australian loyalty and Commonwealth cohesion led him, on Britain's recommendation, to accept Cyprus as a fellow Commonwealth member once it gained its independence in 1960, as this suited Britain's vested interests.