HC Deb 13 November 1956 vol 560 cc749-51
44. Mr. Ness Edwards

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make available in the Library copies of the translations of the scripts of the broadcasts in Arabic, made from the Middle East Arab Broadcasting Station, Cyprus, on 28th, 29th and 30th October; and upon whose authority these broadcasts were made.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

I presume that the right hon. Member is referring to the Near East Arab Broadcasting Station, a commercial broadcasting station owned by the Near East Association Limited, a company registered in Cyprus. The station was operated by its owners until 1500 hours Greenwich Mean time on 30th October, when its broadcasting facilities were requisitioned by the Governor of Cyprus on behalf of Her Majesty's Government. For translations of material broadcast before requisition, I suggest that the right hon. Member should get into touch with the London manager of the company. On 30th October, after requisition, an Arabic version of the Prime Minister's speech in the House on that day was transmitted to the station for relay to the Middle East on the authority of Her Majesty's Government.

Mr. Edwards

In view of the fact that on 28th October transmissions from this broadcasting station indicated that an attack was to be made on Egypt, can the Joint Under-Secretary say upon whose authority that was done? Can be obtain copies of the transcript for the information of hon. Members?

Mr. Dodds-Parker

I refer the right hon. Gentleman to the London manager of the commercial company. His address is 17, Victoria Street.

Mr. Edwards

The London manager disclaims responsibility. The Foreign Office passes the fault to the Colonial Office, and the Colonial Office says the responsibility belongs to the Foreign Office. Can we have some clarity about this?

Mr. Dodds-Parker

I will certainly look into that matter.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Is the hon. Member now saying that this broadcast was made without the authority of Her Majesty's Government or any of the Ministers? If it was with their authority, is not my right hon. Friend right and fair in asking that hon. Members should have copies made available to them?

Mr. Dodds-Parker

The reply is quite clear. Until 1500 hours Greenwich Mean Time on 30th October the broadcasting facilities were operated by the commercial company. It was established in 1948 under a licence granted by the Governor of Cyprus.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Was this broadcast made with or without the authority of Her Majesty's Government?

Mr. Dodds-Parker

It was made by the commercial company over which Her Majesty's Government have no authority.

Mr. Griffiths

I am asking a very plain question. Was this broadcast made with or without the approval of Her Majesty's Government?

Mr. Dodds-Parker

This broadcast was made by the commercial company which has been operating in the Middle East since 1948.

Mr. M. Lindsay

Was not the purpose of these broadcasts to persuade Egyptian Service men to leave their posts to save the lives of British Service men? Should not the Opposition therefore be thoroughly in support of this step?

Mr. Dodds-Parker

I think that my hon. Friend is referring to broadcasts made after 1500 hours Greenwich Mean Time on 30th October.

Mr. Edwards

Is the hon. Member not aware that I am asking about the position prior to the establishment of the "Voice of Britain"?

On 28th and 29th October, broadcasts of a Dr. Goebbels type were made from this station on British property. Can we not have a copy of the transcript?

Mr. Dodds-Parker

I will see whether I can find one. I have not seen that such a broadcast was made on those days.