HC Deb 25 April 1956 vol 551 cc1766-7
15. Mr. Vane

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on the relaying by the "Voice of America" Radio at Salonika of Athens Radio broadcasts to Cyprus, which are critical of this country.

Mr. Nutting

I am informed that under its operating agreement with the Greek authorities the "Voice of America" relay station at Salonika allocates a portion of time to the Greek National Broadcasting Institute. A clear distinction is made between the "Voice of America" broadcasts and the Greek programmes. The United States Government have no editorial control over the Greek broadcasts. These are jammed by the Government of Cyprus because they contain incitements to violence.

Mr. Vane

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether he has had any assurance from the United States authorities that the "Voice of America" station will not be used by others for re-transmitting broadcasts critical of this country?

Mr. Nutting

We have, of course, taken the matter up with the United States Government, but the difficulty is that they have no editorial control over the "Voice of America," which, in its turn, under its contract with the Greek authorities, has no control over the Greek broadcasts.