§ 67. Mr. K. Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Greek Cypriots have been killed in Cyprus in the course of communal rioting since the beginning of May; and how many are thought to have been murdered by Turkish-Cypriot terrorists.
§ Mr. ProfumoThe Answer to the first part of the Question is "twelve" and to the second part "none".
§ 68. Mr. K. Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Turkish Cypriots have been killed in Cyprus in the course of communal rioting since the beginning of May; and how many are thought to have been murdered by E.O.K.A.
§ Mr. ProfumoThe Answer to the first part of the Question is "None". As regards the second part, two Turkish Cypriots were shot dead during the recent period of communal tension, though not in the course of rioting. Responsibility for the murders has not been established.
§ Mr. RobinsonHas the hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the statement by Dr. Kutchuk, the leader of the Turkish Cypriots, in which he said that thousands of Turks had been murdered by Greeks in the recent disturbances? Does not he feel that in the present very difficult times it is a particularly violent and dangerous statement to make?
§ Mr. ProfumoI hope that what I have said in my Answer will put the matter in its right perspective, but I also hope that the hon. Gentleman will not press me to make any comment at this very serious moment.