§ 42. Sir PHILIP MAGNUSasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government has received a telegram from the representatives of the Moslems in Cyprus, numbering about 60,000, praying that they may be permitted to continue to live under British rule; and, if so, whether, having regard to the extent and loyalty of the Mahomedan population of His Majesty's Dominions, the petition of the Moslem inhabitants of Cyprus will receive favour able consideration?
§ Lieut.-Colonel AMERYThe Secretary of State has received a communication in the sense indicated by the hon. Member, and has replied that the interests of His Majesty's Moslem subjects in Cyprus will receive full consideration at the hands of His Majesty's Government.
§ Sir P. MAGNUSWill the inhabitants of Cyprus have an opportunity of determining for themselves whether they desire the island to be annexed to Greece or whether they prefer to remain under British rule?
§ Lieut.-Colonel AMERYI must have notice of that question. I think the Government must be the judge of the situation. as it arises.
§ Captain ORMSBY-GOREIs it not the fact that the people by a large majority are in favour of union with Greece, and, that is one of the difficulties?
§ Lieut.-Colonel AMERYYes; but it is undesirable to argue the question at this moment.