§ 13. Major Wallasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affiars what reply he has now received from the Greek Government, in reply to his protest, as to the positive measures they are taking to stop the spreading of sedition in Cyprus by Athens Radio.
§ Mr. H. MacmillanThe Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs, in a letter dated 28th June, asserted that the Greek Prime Minister and he himself had never failed to condemn the use of force and all aggressive acts, and that the Greek Government were in no way responsible for the aggravation of the situation in Cyprus. The Minister claimed that the Greek Government did everything in their power to prevent insults, personal attacks and incitements to violence from entering the broadcasts from Athens Radio, but argued that they could not accept responsibility for the reproduction by the broadcasting station of information and comments published in the Press.
§ Major WallHas my right hon. Friend made it clear to the Greek Government that the outpourings of Athens Radio are not conducive to a good atmosphere for starting the talks on the problems of the Eastern Mediterranean?
§ Mr. MacmillanYes, Sir; we have done so, and I very much hope that the Greek Government will do their best to prevent the dissemination, even under the guise of news, of what is really terrorist propaganda.
§ Mr. E. L. MallalieuDoes not the right hon. Gentleman agree with the statement of his right hon. Friend the Minister of State in his own Department, made to me in the House three months ago, that there has been no falling-off in Greece of good will towards this country?
§ Mr. MacmillanI am glad to feel that, in spite of difficulties over Cyprus, there is a long tradition of friendship between Greece and Great Britain. We have made very great sacrifices and efforts for the Greek people, which they, thoroughly recognise, and I am only hopeful that a better situation may arise out of some settlement that may be reached at the conference which we have called.