The terms of the convention provide that…

The terms of the convention provide that the excess of Cyprus's revenue over the expenditures for government should be paid as an "annual fixed payment" by Britain to the sultan.

This proviso enables the Porte to assert that it has not ceded or surrendered Cyprus to the British, but has merely temporarily turned over administration.

Because of these terms, the action is sometimes described as a British leasing of the island.

The "Cyprus Tribute" will become a major source of discontent underlying later Cypriot unrest.