HC Deb 24 June 1958 vol 590 cc213-4
2. Brigadier Clarke

asked the Attorney-General if he will instruct the Director of Public Prosecutions to institute proceedings against Archbishop Makarios, on his entry into the jurisdiction, for complicity in the murder of British Service men in Cyprus, on the basis of the Grivas diaries and other documentary evidence in the possession of Her Majesty's Government.

The Attorney-General

For obvious reasons, it is not desirable to disclose, in relation to offences alleged to have been committed outside the jurisdiction by a person now outside the United Kingdom, whether any decision has been taken to prosecute him if he comes within the jurisdiction; and it is also not desirable that I should reveal what instructions, if any, I would give to the Director of Public Prosecutions should Archbishop Makarios visit this country.

Brigadier Clarke

I am very grateful for that Answer, but does my right hon. and learned Friend appreciate that there are many people in this country who consider that Archbishop Makarios has blood on his hands, and should never have been invited here, and, if he comes here, will my right hon. and learned Friend deport him, hang him, or do something to stop him landing here?

Mr. Ellis Smith

While not condoning in any way what has taken place in Cyprus, may I ask the right hon. and learned Gentleman whether he agrees that, in view of the very delicate situation, and the statement made by the Prime Minister last week, Questions of this character are to be deprecated?