§ Q3. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Prime Minister if he will appoint an official historian to write the history of the military operations in Cyprus during the emergency prior to the Zurich Agreement.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir.
§ Mr. HughesIf the Prime Minister is reluctant to have an official history of operations in Cyprus because it would be such a record of colossal Tory Government blunders, as we have spent over £100 million could we not have a balance sheet, if anything can be found on the profit side at all?
§ The Prime MinisterIt is not the purpose of an official history, as I understand it, to produce a balance sheet. Official histories are accounts of military operations, giving the facts of those military operations. I sent the hon. Member, for his edification, a list of the official histories of the First and Second World Wars, from which he will see that they deal with military facts and campaigns. That is not, I think, what the hon. Gentleman has put down.
§ Sir Richard GlynWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the military operations in Cyprus were between E.O.K.A., with the declared attention of achieving Enosis, which it failed to achieve, and British forces, whose declared objective was to retain the essential bases, which they did achieve? In those circumstances, would my right hon. Friend not hesitate to appoint an official historian as soon as it is convenient?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think that it matters what the result of the military campaign was—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] What was asked was that there should be an official history, and I do not think that this is necessary.
§ Mr. HughesWill the Prime Minister stop quibbling? Were there not very extensive military operations in Cyprus for a number of years?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir. But the question is whether an official history of this ought to be written now, and I think not.
§ Mr. KershawIf an official history is written now, will my right hon. Friend see that the advice of the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition that heavy tanks should be employed against Cyprus citizens is included in it?