HC Deb 16 July 1956 vol 556 cc833-4
16. Mr. Zilliacus

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in his discussions with the Turkish Government on the future of Cyprus, he will draw their attention to the 1923 Lausanne Treaty, particularly Articles 16, 20 and 21, whereby Turkey recognised the annexation of Cyprus by the United Kingdom and the loss of Turkish and acquisition of British nationality by all Turks choosing to remain in Cyprus, and further renounced all rights and title whatsoever over or respecting Cyprus and agreed that its future was a matter to be decided by the United Kingdom.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

No, Sir. I have no reason to believe the Turkish Government are unaware of the provisions of the Treaty of Lausanne.

Mr. Zilliacus

Will the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the Government will not use the appeasement of Turkey as an excuse for failing to do the right thing by Cyprus?

Mr. Dodds-Parker

No, Sir, I will take no action. I am not prepared to reveal any past or future communications with the Turkish Government.

21 and 22. Mr. Donnelly

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) what proposals he made to the Turkish Government in the consultations that he has had with it on the future of Cyprus; and

(2) what further consultations he has had with the United States Government regarding Cyprus.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

It would be contrary to practice to disclose confidential diplomatic exchanges.

Mr. Donnelly

Is it not a fact that the British Government submitted a series of proposals to Turkey which involved self-determination for Cyprus? Can the hon. Gentleman tell us, first, how the British Government had the naivity to imagine that they would be approved by the Turks; and, secondly, what use he made of the good offices of Vice-President Nixon on his visit to Turkey to try to persuade the Turks to accept the proposal?

Mr. Dodds-Perker

I have nothing to add to my reply.