British Attitudes to Constitution-Making in Post-1931 Cyprus

The 1930s found Cyprus facing the disheartening results of drought exacerbated by the effect of the worldwide depression and the years of tribute payment. Sir Ronald Storrs's optimistic plans could not be realized; the economic frustration was compounded by the legislative council's restraints on attempts at representative government. The October 1931 demonstration and fire at Government House and the resultant repression of even the modicum of political action previously allowed were followed by a change of governor. Storrs's thoughts on a constitution were suppressed by the Colonial Office. Sir Reginald Stubbs, the new governor, was instructed to form a palliative advisory council, the members of which were given no voice. Greece, too, frowned on any vigorous pursuit of nationalism. Those who sought moderation and cooperation in a gradualist approach to self-determination were rendered powerless and seen as traitors by those who wanted immediate enosis. Britain thus lost the opportunity that concessions to self-respect and local authority might have provided to allow its colony to become a self-governing dominion.