HC Deb 12 May 1954 vol 527 cc1229-30
41. Mr. E. L. Mallalieu

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he proposes to take about the desire of the Greek Government and of the majority of the people of Cyprus for the union of Cyprus with Greece.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

As has repeatedly been made clear in answers to Questions, Her Majesty's Government are not prepared to discuss the status of Cyprus with the Greek Government.

Mr. Mallalieu

Does the reply of the right hon. and learned Gentleman mean that in spite of the fact that 80 per cent. of the population of Cyprus is Greek and wishes to go to Greece, and that we derive no military or economic advantage from a dog-in-the-manger attitude, Her Majesty's Government are going to sit on their ample backside until there is violence in Cyprus or until N.A.T.O. is shaken by quarrels with our old friends the Greeks?

Mr. Lloyd

I do not accept any of the hon. and learned Gentleman's suggestions. We cannot agree that any foreign Government, however friendly, can assume the right to be consulted about the future status of one of Her Majesty's present possessions.

Sir H. Williams

Can my right hon. and learned Friend say when Cyprus was last part of Greece?

Mr. Lloyd

Certainly not in the last 400 years.

Mr. Follick

Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman agree that on no account should any decision be made on taking Cyprus out of the British Commonwealth and Empire without a fair and honest opinion being taken in Cyprus itself?

Mr. Mott-Radclyffe

Is my right hon. and learned Friend certain that those who shout loudest for Enosis in Cyprus realise that it would mean their transfer from the sterling area, the loss of their British passports, and liability to call-up to the Greek armed forces?