§ 19. Mr. K. Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will ensure that in future statements on military policy in Cyprus shall be made exclusively by the Governor as Commander-in-Chief.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydNo, Sir.
§ Mr. RobinsonIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that, whatever merits General Darling may have as a military commander, his recent statements to the Press have been arrogant in tone and ill-chosen in their language, and does not he think, particularly in view of the current E.O.K.A. truce, that it would be better to leave Press conferences to the Governor at the present time?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI hope that the hon. Member will not attach too much importance to what he calls the current truce. It is for the Governor to decide which of his advisers should make statements on matters relating to the emergency in Cyprus. I would say in general about statements in Cyprus or elsewhere that, in fairness, they should be judged in the context and circumstances of the country where they are given and of the people to whom they are addressed.