§ 22. Mr. BROCKWAYasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has considered the representations made to him with regard to the tampering with letters during their transmission through the Post Office between Cyprus and this country, and in particular with regard to the correspondence between the national council of Cyprus and its representative in London; and under what regulations this interference with private correspondence is carried on?
§ Dr. SHIELSThese representations were referred to the Governor, who informed me that at no time has the Cyprus Government expressly authorised any interference with the correspondence of the representative in London of the National Council. The Governor stated that a postal censorship had been imposed in the months of December and January last, and that, if the representative was in correspondence with persons in Cyprus who are under supervision on suspicion of conducting Communistic or seditious 439 propaganda, it was possible that letters from them to him may have been opened. Authority for such action can be given under the Post Office Law.
§ Mr. BROCKWAYIs the Under-Secretary prepared to examine envelopes and correspondence in my possession which clearly show that there has been tampering, and is he aware that the correspondent to whom they are addressed has nothing to do with the Communist party and has no sympathy with its principles whatsoever?
§ Dr. SHIELSIf my hon. Friend has any evidence which suggests that the powers have been improperly used, I shall certainly be very glad to go into it; otherwise, it is not a matter for me.