§ 12. Mrs. Castleasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what grounds Anarghyros Stamatopoulos, a senior member of the Greek Orthodox Church in Cyprus, has been given 14 days' notice to leave the island.
§ Mr. HopkinsonThe person concerned was admitted into Cyprus on a temporary entry permit, subject to cancellation at fourteen days' notice. I am informed that he has been engaging in political agitation among Cypriot youth and that the Governor is satisfied that there are adequate reasons for refusing to renew the residence permit.
§ Mrs. CastleIs the Minister aware that the information which he has is directly contrary to the representations now being made to hon. Members by Christian institutions in Cyprus, who declare that this distinguished Churchman has been doing purely Christian missionary work in Cyprus for the last five years and that repeatedly his permit has been renewed during that period, until the last few weeks? Is he aware that they regard this as purely religious persecution which is doing grave damage to the British cause as well as to the Christian cause in Cyprus?
§ Mr. HopkinsonI should be glad to examine any evidence or information which the hon. Lady cares to send to me, but the Governor was fully satisfied that the gentleman in question is an ardent and dangerous agitator—[Laughter]—this is no laughing matter—who has played a prominent part in promoting and encouraging a violent youth movement in Cyprus.