§ 27. Sir A. V. Harveyasked the Secretary of State for War if, in view of the amnesty being granted to Cypriot internees, he will review the case of Private Brian Ford and consider reinstating him to the rank of corporal, making it retrospective to the time of his court-martial with full rights of pay.
§ Mr. SoamesNo, Sir. Signalman Ford pleaded guilty to an offence under military law and his conviction cannot be affected by the subsequent amnesty in Cyprus.
§ Sir A. V. HarveyWhile thanking my right hon. Friend for a dusty reply, may I ask how he reconciles it with the fact that Cypriots and Turks have been released from prison, to which they had been committed for vile offences, whereas all that Private Ford did was to distribute some leaflets? Will he review the matter and take into account the fact that twice the corporal's sentence was reduced after the court-martial? Why was that done, unless the War Office were unhappy about it?
§ Mr. SoamesThere are two points which I should like to make about this Question. First, Ford was convicted, after a plea of guilty, of distributing leaflets inviting members of the forces to intimidate Greeks with violence. The leaflets also accused a judge of being on the payroll of E.O.K.A. Ford was sentenced to nine months' detention and reduced to the ranks. On review, the detention was first reduced and then remitted. In view of the offence, he was not harshly treated.
On the general question, I can see my hon. Friend's point of view, but I think that he will see, on reflection, that what he proposes could not be justified. The remarkable record of our Security Forces in Cyprus is in itself a tribute to the very 433 high standard of discipline in the Army, and it would be fatal to that discipline if we created an impression among Service men that they could disobey orders or break military law during the process of an emergency in the expectation of having their convictions set aside by an act of amnesty at the end.
§ Mr. ShinwellDoes not the right hon. Gentleman realise that this is a most unsatisfactory answer? Surely he is aware that an amnesty has been granted to many Cypriots who had been found guilty of the most atrocious crimes. If there is to be a general amnesty for people who have committed heinous offences, how can he justify retaining in detention or otherwise penalising men of Her Majesty's Forces who have been provoked, to a very large extent, by the circumstances in Cyprus? Will he please reconsider the matter?
§ Mr. SoamesNo, Sir. I have considered it very thoroughly. I should first make it clear that this man is not in detention. Secondly, the provocation is no excuse for breaking military law.
§ Dame Florence HorsbrughWould my right hon. Friend look at this again in the light of all that has happened and thus show that the House and the country congratulate all those of the security services who have behaved so well in very trying circumstances? Surely he will agree that an exception could be made in this case when a general amnesty is being granted? That would be appreciated both in the House and throughout the country.
§ Mr. SoamesOf course, I will consider whatever is said in the House, but I must adhere to my belief that military discipline must be maintained.
§ Sir A. V. HarveyWill my right hon. Friend give the House an assurance that he will reconsider the matter?
§ Mr. SoamesI said that I would consider everything said in the House but that I adhere to my belief.
§ Sir A. V. HarveyAs I am unable to obtain a clear answer, and as the Minister's reply was very unsatisfactory, I shall have to raise this matter again at the earliest possible moment.