Cyprus in the Commonwealth: pre-membership perceptions by Greek Cypriot elites, 1959-1961.

This paper draws on a variety of primary sources to investigate the various economic, political or sentimental perceptions of the Greek Cypriot political and economic elites over the prospective accession of the Republic of Cyprus to the Commonwealth. The debate was triggered at the onset of the Transitional Period (February 1959–August 1960) – when Cyprus evolved from a colonial possession to an independent state – and extended until the nascent republic joined the international organisation in 1961. By explaining these goals and concerns, this study contributes to the political history of Cyprus and benefits scholarly knowledge on the wider history of the Commonwealth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]