§ 40. Mrs. L. Jegerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will now make a statement on the situation in Cyprus, and the Government's proposals for a solution.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe tense situation in Cyprus has been still further exacerbated by the murder of two British Service men last Sunday and by the threats of further outrages in leaflets distributed by both E.O.K.A. and the Turkish resistance organisation.
The Governor has repeatedly made it clear that further violence, from whatever quarter, can only make more difficult a solution of the Cyprus problem and cause hardship to the mass of the Cypriot people.
As the hon. Member is aware, We Governor has recently arrived in London to report on the present situation in the island and for consultations. I cannot yet make a statement about future policy, but, as I told the House on 15th April, as soon as I can profitably make such a statement I will of course do so.
§ Mrs. JegerBut does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that it is the continuing and inept delay of Her Majesty's Government which has contributed to the increasing danger of the situation in Cyprus? [HON. MEMBERS: "Nonsense."] Does he also realise how difficult it is for moderate and restraining influences to prevail in Cyprus when, after many months of an effective truce, the Government took no advantage of the peace that was prevailing to open negotiations with the people of Cyprus direct?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe delay in making statements is not always inept. In this case I am certain it is better to wait until there is a profitable statement to make.
§ Mr. CallaghanIs the Colonial Secretary aware that it was on 17th December, 1956, that the House had its last statement about the Government's policy, and whatever conversations they may have carried on since that date, no one in the House knows anything about them? May I, Sir, put this to the Colonial Secretary: does he realise that there is a heavy responsibility upon the Government to come to the House of Commons within the next days and tell 1413 us, in order that the people of the world may know, what are the Government's positive proposals in this matter, so that they may be debated and reflected upon by everyone concerned? Further, does he realise that unless he does so, a very heavy responsibility will rest upon him, as well as upon everyone else, for any outbreak that may take place in the island?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI have repeatedly paid tribute to the House's sense of understanding in this matter and the patience and forbearance that has been shown on both sides. I repeat that as soon as it is possible to make a worth-while statement, it will be made.
§ Mr. BevanAre discussions taking place between Her Majesty's Government and the Governments of Greece and Turkey? If so, with whom and where?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydIt would not help matters if I answered questions on that subject. I can certainly say that discussions are taking place between Her Majesty's Government and the Governor who is now in London.
§ Mr. BevanDoes the right hon. Gentleman recollect that last week, in answer to a question of mine, the Foreign Secretary said that discussions were going on, but that when I asked him with whom, he was unable to tell us? Are they going on with the three Governments concerned, or are they merely whispers in the Foreign Office?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI have nothing to add to my answer to the right hon. Gentleman.