§ 49. Mr. Prenticeasked the Prime Minister what reply was sent to the recent letter addressed to him by the General Secretary of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions drawing attention to the resolution on Cyprus passed by his Executive Board, which condemned violence, and called on the 407 Cyprus trade unions to do likewise, but also expressed deep concern at the mass suspension of workers from military installations on the island and urged their reinstatement.
§ The Prime MinisterNo reply other than an acknowledgment of receipt of the letter has been sent as it did not appear to call for one.
§ Mr. PrenticeDoes the Prime Minister think it is good enough not to send a full reply to an organisation which represents millions of trade unionists throughout the free world? Will he not bear in mind the statement that he himself made to the House of Commons last November that the Service authorities in Cyprus would be glad to re-employ these workers if the situation allowed, and does he not think that in the somewhat more peaceful atmosphere consideration might be given to re-employing them at an early date?
§ The Prime MinisterOn that specific point, I understand the Governor yesterday saw representatives of the trade unions in Cyprus about the re-employment of workers dismissed by the R. A. F. and N. A. A. F. I., that he said it was not possible to lift the ban at once but hoped that if peaceful conditions continued it would be possible to make a start on re-employment before long, and that the unions agreed to participate in detailed discussions with the R. A. F. and N. AA. F. I. on how a start at re-employment could be made once the ban was lifted.