§ 48. Mr. Wyattasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what further communications he has received from the Greek Government on the subject of Cyprus.
§ Sir Anthony EdenThe Greek Ambassador handed to me on 6th April a personal message from the Greek Prime Minister conveying the intention of his Government to raise the Cyprus question at the United Nations. Since then no communication has been received from the Greek Government about Cyprus.
§ Mr. WyattIs the Foreign Secretary aware that there has been considerable distress in Athens at the off-hand manner in which Her Majesty's Government have received representations about Cyprus and refused to listen to them? Would it not be better to settle this mater amicably, insead of having a quarrel with one of our most important allies in the Mediterranean, especially as the Greeks and the Cypriots are willing to give us all the defence facilities we need in Cyprus?
§ Sir A. EdenI can assure the hon. Gentleman that there has been nothing off-hand about the attitude of Her Majesty's Government. We have a traditional friendship with the Greeks which I feel as strongly as any hon. Member of this House, but what I have explained to the Greek Government, and what is in fact our position, is that we cannot discuss the affairs of Cyprus, which fall under the domestic jurisdiction of the United Kingdom, with any foreign Power.
§ Mr. Brooman-WhiteHas my right hon. Friend received any representations from the Turkish authorities on this subject?
§ Sir A. EdenYes, on several occasions, and they have made it clear to us that they are strongly opposed to any change in the status of Cyprus.