§ 39. Mrs. L. Jegerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what response there has been from Her Majesty's Government to the most recent letter of Archbishop Makarios, offering to co-operate in attempting to end violence in Cyprus; and whether Her Majesty's Government will now permit the return of the Archbishop.
§ 40. Mr. K. Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if, in view of Archbishop Makarios' plea for the cessation of violence, he will now permit the Archbishop to return to Cyprus.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydHer Majesty's Government have noted the full text of the Archbishop's recent response to the Governor's message. The House will be aware that violence continued after the Archbishop's statement. I see no reason to make an alteration in this aspect of our policy as stated on 19th June, and cannot add to what I said on this matter in reply to supplementary questions on 24th July.
§ Mrs. JegerIs not it getting clearer every day—a fact that we all deeply regret—that the situation in Cyprus cannot be improved without the active participation of Archbishop Makarios? Will not the Government give him a chance to get back among his people, on the spot, to use his power and influence to bring about a better situation in the island?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI think that we are all anxious to say nothing which will make a solution more difficult, but I must remind the hon. Lady that the statement made by the Archbishop included the words,
The recent Greco-Turkish trouble in Cyprus wholly arises from the Turks.That statement is certainly not true, nor does making it suggest that the immediate return of Archbishop Makarios would be an appeasing factor in the island.
§ Mr. RobinsonWill the right hon. Gentleman understand that the presence of the Archbishop in the island would be a moderating factor? Does he appreciate that sooner or later he must bring the Archbishop back? Is he determined that it must be too late?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI have answered that supplementary question in advance.