Letter from A J Dawe, Principal, Colonial Office, to Sir Ralph Verney in which he transmitted a petition praying for the union of Cyprus with Greece:
This refers to our conversation about the petition (which I return herewith) addressed to the Speaker by the Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Church in Cyprus, praying for the union of the Island with Greece. In view of our discussion I think that the only asnwer which could be sent by the Speaker would be a bare aknowledgement; and the higher authorities here have now authorised me to suggest that this should be done. If you would like the exact words of the acknowledgment I suggest the following might meet the case: “I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated at the 26th January, 1929, in which you transmitted a petition praying for the union of Cyprus with Greece.” It is advisable not to use any words which would suggest that we accept the contention that this petition is put forward by “the Greek people of Cyprus” as the Archbishop would have us believe. If you could kindly let me have a copy of the reply, we would then let the Governor know what has been done.