§ 11. Mr. Callaghanasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when he intends to invite the Greek and Turkish communities in Cyprus to send representatives to London to discuss the implementation of a new constitution based on Lord Radcliffe's Report.
§ 28. Mr. Brockwayasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, when it is proposed to open negotiations with Archbishop Makarios regarding the future of Cyprus.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydWe are always ready to receive views on the Radcliffe constitutional proposals. If there are indications of a general desire on the part of representative Greek and Turkish Cypriots to discuss them in a constructive spirit, we shall be in a better position to consider the timing of such an invitation.
§ Mr. CallaghanHow does the Colonial Secretary propose to find out what are their views unless he invites them? Would it not be sensible for the Government themselves to take the initiative, as the implementation of the Report is a declared part of their objective, and invite both communities to London?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThere should be no doubt in anyone's mind that we are quite ready to receive any comments which anyone may care to make on the Radcliffe proposals.
§ Mr. BrockwayMay I ask whether the United Nations did not ask that this Government should begin negotiations with the representatives of the Cypriot people, and, in view of that fact, will the right hon. Gentleman say how long Archbishop Makarios is to remain in Greece without initiative being taken for such negotiations, particularly in view of the fact that he is taking a reasonable attitude and is proposing that there should be a United Nations mandate previous to self-determination?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe view of the N.A.T.O. Secretary-General was that the U.N. Resolution was best met by the suggestion of N.A.T.O. good offices in the international field. Her Majesty's Government immediately accepted that, and such acceptance still remains
§ Mr. CallaghanSurely the Colonial Secretary realises the difference between inviting comments on the constitution and inviting people to London to negotiate about its future? Will he please answer my Question: What is the objection now, as this is stated Government policy, to the Government taking the initiative, as they are the only people who can do this, and inviting these people here in order that the future of the people of Cyprus can be discussed?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI have already answered that.