HC Deb 28 June 1939 vol 349 cc416-7
57. Mr. Graham White

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now in a position to make a further statement on the censorship of the Press in Cyprus?

66. Mr. Mathers

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now in a position to make a statement regarding the renewal of newspaper censorship in Cyprus, especially in relation to "Embros"; and whether he has approved of the suppression of the comments published in that newspaper?

69. Mr. Cocks

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make a statement regarding the present position in Cyprus?

Mr. M. MacDonald

As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs said in answer to a question on 14th June, there has been no reimposition of the censorship on any newspaper. But a communication was made to the editors of newspapers warning them against printing material concerning certain political matters. I am still in communication with the Acting Governor on the question, and am not at present in a position to make a statement. But if the hon. Members will repeat their questions next Wednesday, I hope to be in a position to make a full statement then.

Mr. Dingle Foot

Will not the right hon. Gentleman say what were the political matters in respect of which the newspapers were asked not to print?

Mr. MacDonald

I am making certain inquiries of the Acting Governor, and would prefer to make a comprehensive statement dealing with all these matters next week.

Mr. Cocks

In view of the fact that the population of Cyprus is mainly Greek or Turkish, and that both Greece and Turkey arc now our allies, why should there be any trouble at all?

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