§ 23. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Air for what purposes the Royal Air Force is now maintained in Cyprus.
§ Mr. C. I. Orr-EwingR.A.F. units are maintained in Cyprus for the support of 1284 the Bagdad Pact and N.A.T.O.; for the protection of British interests in the Middle East; and to maintain an important link in our air and signals communications.
§ Mr. HughesHas the attention of the Minister been drawn to a recent article by Mr. Randolph Churchill called "The Real Reason why Britain Must Stay in Cyprus?" Could he tell us if his officials in Cyprus told Mr. Randolph Churchill that Canberras would soon be obsolete, and that they were going to place in Cyprus V-bombers which could attack Stalingrad? Is this true, or is Mr. Randolph Churchill to be prosecuted under the Official Secrets Act?
§ Mr. Orr-EwingI am afraid that I have no responsibility for journalists and their writings, but I should have thought that as to the usefulness of Cyprus recent events have clearly emphasised the importance of the very sensible stabilising influence which the presence of British Forces there has.