HC Deb 02 November 1955 vol 545 cc999-1000
5. Mr. Dugdale

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will explain the reason for withdrawing the Naval Mission from Athens.

Mr. J. P. L. Thomas

Before the termination of the tour of duty of the recent Head of the Naval Mission, the question of the appointment of a successor was taken up with the Greek Government. In compliance with their views, it has been decided that no successor shall be appointed and that the Mission as a whole shall be substantially reduced. In order to maintain the cooperation between the Royal Hellenic Navy and the Royal Navy, a member of the Mission will continue as Director of Studies at the Greek Naval War College. The other liaison functions of the Mission will be taken over by a senior officer, who will shortly be appointed as Naval Attaché.

Mr. Dugdale

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it somewhat strange that after such a very long time the duties of this Mission should be concluded? Is it not in any way due to the deterioration in Anglo-Greek relations as a result of Her Majesty's Government's policy in Cyprus?

Mr. Thomas

I must correct the right hon. Gentleman. It has not been concluded; it has been reduced from five officers to two. I remember dealing with this question when I was out there twoand-a-half years ago. The Mission was under discussion then, which was long before the present violent troubles over Cyprus arose.