HC Deb 28 April 1954 vol 526 cc1593-4
1. Mr. T. Reid

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has any statement to make about the Enosis movement in Cyprus; and what interventions there have been by the Greek and Turkish Governments in this matter.

The Minister of State for Colonial Affairs (Mr. Henry Hopkinson)

I have no general statement to make on this matter at present. The attitude of Her Majesty's Government to the Enosis movement has been made clear on a number of occasions and remains unchanged.

As regards the second part of the Question, the Turkish Foreign Minister has recently made his Government's attitude clear in a statement published on 2nd April, in which he said that Turkey is of the opinion that there is no Cyprus question and that no modification of the status of this island is necessary. The Greek Government, for their part, have explained that they wish to hold bilateral discussions about Cyprus with Her Majesty's Government, and have intimated that in the absence of such discussions they might wish to bring the matter before the United Nations.

Mr. Reid

Under what clause of the United Nations Charter could this matter be brought before the United Nations?

Mr. Hopkinson

That would be a matter requiring careful consideration. I think it is a question which the hon. Gentleman should put down to my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary. At first Slight, I find it difficult to see under which clause it could be raised.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Do Her Majesty's Government reaffirm the offer, made by more than one Government and more than one Secretary of State to the people of Cyprus, that we are ready to consider their further constitutional advance towards self-government, and has that offer been made by the new Governor?

Mr. Hopkinson

Yes, Sir. It has not been announced by the new Governor in particular, but it was made clear by my reply to a Parliamentary Question from the hon. Member for Leek (Mr. Harold Davies) on 26th January.

Mr. E. Wakefield

Can my right hon. Friend say what reply has been given by Her Majesty's Government to the suggestion of the Greek Government about bilateral discussions?

Mr. Hopkinson

That is a question for my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary.

Mr. Fenner Brockway

May I ask if the people of Cyprus could have self-determination to decide their association?

Mr. Hopkinson

We made our position perfectly clear, and we are prepared to consider any suggestion with regard to the constitutional offer.