44. Mrs. Jegerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what reports he has now received on ill-treatment of the villagers of Phrenaros by British personnel on 27th-28th March.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe allegations referred to were against members of the military forces who were searching this village, where a lieutenant and a private 373 had just been ambushed and killed. I understand that the detailed report to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War has not yet been completed. Further reports which I have had from the Governor indicate that the burning down of a coffee shop may have been caused accidentally by a stove. Claims for damage or loss of property arose chiefly from the need to break open the doors of locked premises in the owners' absence. These and any other allegations are still being investigated.
Mrs. JegerIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, besides allegations of damage to property, there were several allegations of harm done to persons? If I send him an affidavit from a doctor in Famagusta who examined some of these people and reported their injuries, will he consider it with the other evidence?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI will certainly consider it.