§ 8. Mr. Dumpletonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many Jewish detainees are now in Cyprus; and whether he will make a statement as to their future.
§ Mr. MayhewThe total number of detainees on 1st December was 11,915. The Security Council truce resolution of 29th May, of which the terms were later extended by that of 15th July, called on the Governments and authorities concerned not to introduce fighting personnel into Palestine and the Arab States during the cease fire. The attitude of His Majesty's Government has been that the entry into the Jewish area of Palestine of the large number of men of military age at present held in Cyprus would have created a situation markedly to be military advantage of one side and thereby have defeated one of the main objects of the truce. Meanwhile women and children and men of non-military age are free to leave for Palestine, and many have, in fact, left. Should a new Resolution be passed which abrogates or supersedes the Clause of the Resolution of 29th May under which Jews of military age are detained in Cyprus or should more peaceful conditions be established, His Majesty's Government would review the above decision. His Majesty's Government are now re-examining the position in the light of the present situation in Palestine.
§ Mr. DumpletonCould my hon. Friend say a little more about the people of non-military age? How many are still left in Cyprus and what is obstructing them from being sent to Palestine?
§ Mr. MayhewI have not got the figures, but there is no obstruction to their being sent to Palestine and many have, in fact, left.
§ Mr. MikardoCan the hon. Gentleman say how many British personnel are engaged in looking after and guarding these detainees?
§ Mr. MayhewI should need notice of that question.
§ Mr. Sydney SilvermanCan my hon. Friend say whether these people were not originally detained under the exercise, or purported exercise, of the Mandatory Power's duties with regard to immigration to Palestine, and, since that jurisdiction has come to an end by Act of this House, on what legal or constitutional basis are these people now deprived of their liberty?
§ Mr. MayhewI should need notice on that legal point.
§ Mr. McAdamAre the Government of Cyprus or His Majesty's Government financially responsible for the maintenance of these refugees?
§ Mr. MayhewNot the Government of Cyprus, Sir.
§ Dr. SegalIs my hon. Friend aware that these refugees are now in the last throes of despair, and would it not be fairer in the name of humanity and common decency to let them know how many months or years longer their enforced detention is to continue, as even an ordinary criminal has a right to know that, and these people have committed no crime whatever?
§ Mr. MayhewThey are held there in accordance with the Resolution of the United Nations, but, as I say, we are reexamining the position. Until then I cannot make any further statement.
§ Mr. SilvermanWhen my hon. Friend says that these men are held there in accordance with the Resolution of the United Nations, will he tell the House what Resolution of the United Nations has ever asked His Majesty's Government to keep these men in detention unlawfully in Cyprus?
§ Mr. MayhewI do not accept, of course, that they are unlawfully detained. I have already referred to the Resolution concerned in my original answer.
§ Mr. McAdamCould my hon. Friend say what is the financial responsibility of His Majesty's Government?
§ Mr. MayhewNot without notice.