68. Mr. Astorasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the manpower of Cyprus is being used to the full; whether Auxiliary Territorial Services are being recruited in Cyprus; and whether he will consider, when necessary, inviting the Greek Government to lend suitable officers to assist in the training of Greek-speaking Cypriot units?
§ Colonel StanleyThe maximum contribution in man-power for military service has not yet been reached, but a further intensive recruiting campaign is in progress. Apart from actual enlistment in the Forces, the air raid precautions service for certain age groups has been made compulsory and is well organised. Local coast watchers and aircraft observers' units are also highly organised on a full-time basis. In addition, several thousand labourers, though not enlisted, are regularly employed on the construction of defence works and other essential war services. An Auxiliary Territorial Service is being recruited. No need arises for the services of officers from the Greek Army to assist in training Cypriot units. The training of recruits, who include a number of Turkish and Armenian-speaking men, is carried out by Cypriot and British personnel with the necessary language and other qualifications. Cypriots are moreover being trained in increasing numbers for commissioned rank, and a large majority of both officers and non-commissioned ranks in the Defence Force are Cypriots.
Mr. AstorDoes the right hon. and gallant Gentleman mean to say that there has always been a sufficiency of Greek-speaking officers for these units; and before the Government finally abolish university education in this country would it not be better to make use of the help 1932 of our Allies to mobilise to the full our Imperial man-power?
§ Colonel StanleyI am informed that the mobilisation of man-power in Cyprus is not at all held up by the absence of Greek-speaking officers, and personally I feel that it is better to officer British units with British officers.