29. Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the prosecutions recently of the Mayor of Limassol and the secretary of the Cyprus trade unions for public assembly without permission; and whether he will consider the removal of such restrictions.
§ Colonel StanleyI am aware of these prosecutions. The persons concerned took part in a demonstration which followed a meeting addressed by the Mayor of Limassol on 17th August. The Mayor of 920 Limassol had given an undertaking that there would be no procession after the meeting, but a procession was held without the official permit which is required by law. I understand that in these two cases the defendants were bound over to keep the peace for two years. As regards the last part of the Question I do not consider it advisable, nor in the interest of good order in Cyprus, that the Government should relinquish powers of control over public meetings and processions.
Mr. Creech JonesIn view of the very intense nationalist feeling in the island, and the considerable irritation against restrictions of this kind, cannot something be done now to relax things?
§ Colonel StanleyI do not think it would be at all advisable. It is the very intensity of feeling that makes certain precautions unavoidable, also the fact that Cyprus is still within the zone of possible operations.
§ Mr. McGovernAre we to take it that the Colonial Secretary does not encourage any underground movement in this part of the Empire?