HC Deb 04 June 1959 vol 606 cc355-6
24. Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement about the murder in Cyprus of Zacharias Karafotias.

25. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent police protection was given to Zacharias Karafotias, lately murdered in Cyprus, and his relatives.

Mr. J. Amery

Since the murder of his sister in July, 1956, Zacharias Loucaides had been afforded police protection. He was brutally murdered on 11th May on his return to his village after being released at his own wish from protective custody.

Mr. Wall

Does my hon. Friend agree that this type of incident gives the idea that it does not pay to be a friend of and loyal to this country? Will my hon. Friend do everything he can to ensure that the people in Cyprus who have remained loyal to us are protected from outrages of this kind?

Mr. Amery

Yes. Two arrests have been made, and two men have been charged with murder.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Was not it almost inevitable that this man should be the object of attempted E.O.K.A. vengeance? Should not he have been either given satisfactory police protection or removed to a place of safety?

Mr. Amery

It was at his own wish, and in the belief that he would be safe, that he returned to his village.