ABSTRACT
The Cyprus affair began as a colonial matter for the United Kingdom, evolved into a bilateral issue between London and Athens, and culminated as a problem between Britain, Greece, and Turkey. The ensuing deadlock led to the first crisis between Greece and Turkey. In September 1955, the Turkish government orchestrated anti-Greek riots in Istanbul, putting together an angry mob for a pogrom that left tens of people dead, thousands of houses and shops destroyed, and an indelible mark on Greek–Turkish history. The United States was dragged into the crisis, and for the first time it had to walk the tightrope. Although American officials considered the acts of the Turkish government to be despicable, Cold War reasoning ultimately prevailed. The first attempt at dual restraint saw the United States acting as a moderating force, which naturally disappointed the Greeks, but also stiffened the resolve of the Turks. All in all, the Istanbul Pogrom shattered the expectations of a tightly packed line of defense in the Eastern Mediterranean and had long-term consequences for the triangular relationship.
