HC Deb 10 July 1957 vol 573 cc367-8
26. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what approach has lately been made to Her Majesty's Government by the United States of America for a settlement of the Cyprus question.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

None, Sir.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that the American Ambassador in Athens has advocated that N.A.T.O. should take a more active interest in the Cyprus question? May we, therefore, be assured that British responsibilities for the island of Cyprus will not be transferred to N.A.T.O. or handed over, as was Palestine by the party opposite, to bloodshed and conflict?

Mr. Lloyd

The Question which was put to me was: what approach has lately been made to Her Majesty's Government by the United States of America for a settlement of the Cyprus question. I have answered that Question, "None, Sir."

Mr. Dugdale

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that many people consider that it is high time the Government took their courage in their hands and made a statement of their future intentions in regard to Cyprus, even if such a statement might not altogether meet with the approval of the Marquess of Salisbury and the hon. Member who asked this Question?

Mr. Lloyd

I submit that that supplementary question does not arise out of this Question.