§ 28. Mr. E. L. Mallalieuasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action Her Majesty's Government proposes inview of the official pronouncement of the Prime Minister of Greece on 16th June that the Greek Government propose to bring the question of the future of Cyprus before the General Assembly of the United Nations.
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerUnder Article 2 (7) of the Charter, the United Nations have no powers to discuss a question which lies entirely within the domestic jurisdiction of a member Government. Her Majesty's Government hold that the status of Cyprus is such a question.
§ Mr. MallalieuWould not the hon. Gentleman agree that it would be desirable to settle this matter as between friends even before it is allowed to come—and even if without proper legal status—before an international body? Would not he further agree that it would be hard to find a more staunch friend to this country than Greece; and could he say in what way it could be advantageous to this country to retain a sovereignty over an island which the majority of its people do not wish to have recognised, when Greece has already stated that she will give us any reasonable military or other facilities on the island should the island eventually become part of Greece?
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerI would agree with what the hon. and learned Gentleman has said about the staunch friendship of Greece, particularly in the last war, but we cannot agree that any Government, however friendly, can claim the right to be consulted about what is to be the future situation of one of Her Majesty's present possessions.