HC Deb 06 June 1956 vol 553 cc1082-3
39. Mr. Donnelly

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what British decorations to Greek citizens have been handed back to Her Majesty's representative in Athens; and what reasons were given to Her Majesty's representative.

Lord John Hope

Eight distinctions awarded to Greek subjects in recognition of their war-time services have been returned to Her Majesty's representative in Athens during the past two years as a form of protest against British policy in Cyprus.

Mr. Donnelly

Is the Joint Under-Secretary aware that this is a very saddening situation for this country? Even supposing that law and order is restored in Cyprus under the present policy of the British Government, what is his policy in future for Anglo-Greek relations?

Lord John Hope

That question is very different from the one on the Order Paper.

Mr. Speaker

It is a much larger question than that of decorations.

Mr. Donnelly

The whole question of handing back these decorations, including one from a Foreign Minister of Greece—

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Member asked about decorations and then asked in his supplementary question about future policy on Anglo-Greek relations. I do not see that that hangs on a Question about decorations.