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Initials



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Background: Archbishop Makarios, temporal and spiritual leader of Greek Cypriots, and the Greek Foreign Minister, Mr. Averof, left Athens by air on November 15 for New York to put the Cyprus issue before the United Nations.

The exiled Archbishop was seen off by almost festive groups of officials, priests, relatives and other well-wishers.

Although it was widely known that Archbishop was making the flight, something of a mystery vieled his travelling arrangements. He boarded the aircraft as Mr. Kykottis and changed his flight plans.

Among the well-wishers were Cypriots some of whose relatives had been killed in the island and groups of excited students. Sir Compton Mackenzie, the British author, was also present.

Accompanying Makarios to New York was the exiled leader of the Cyprus Labour Confederation, Michael Pissas.

In a statement before leaving, Makarios said the Government, acting for Greek Cypriots, would ask the General Assembly of the United Nations to grant Cyprus a status of independence. He said his proposal of independence was the greatest possible concession towards finally settling the problem, and that the British partnership plan was designed to divide the two communities on the island so that British sovereignty should be perpetuated.

Greece is making her fifth appeal on Cyprus at the United Nations. The issue is expected to be discussed by the General Assembly's Political Committee, probably between next Thursday and Monday, 20th. - 24th. November.