HC Deb 25 June 1964 vol 697 cc633-7
The Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and for the Colonies (Mr. Duncan Sandys)

By its resolution of 20th June, the Security Council extended the mandate of the United Nations' Force in Cyprus for a further three months. The Secretary-General thereupon invited the Governments which are at present contributing to the Force to continue to do so.

We explained to the Secretary-General that, for reasons which are well understood, the British Government were anxious if possible to be relieved of this duty. U Thant, however, emphasised that the British troops were playing an essential part, not only by participating in the peace-keeping task, but also by providing logistic and other services for the Force as a whole. Their withdrawal would, therefore, seriously weaken the effectiveness of the whole operation. U Thant, at the same time, informed us that he had consulted the other Governments concerned, including those which are also contributing contingents, as well as the Governments of Greece, Turkey and Cyprus, and that it was the desire of all these Governments that Britain should continue to participate.

In view of the Secretary-General's strong representations and of the importance we attach to the United Nations Mission in Cyprus, we have, after careful consideration, agreed to contribute troops for a further three months.

We propose, however, to reduce the size of our contingent which now numbers about 1,800 to between 1,100 and 1,200 men. This will be composed of one infantry battalion, a squadron of armoured cars, a contribution towards the headquarters staff and the troops required to provide supporting services.

In agreeing to continue to participate in the United Nations Force we have made it clear that we expect the Cypriot authorities and the Secretary-General to take all possible steps to ensure that our troops are treated with proper respect and courtesy.

Mr. Bottomley

In welcoming that statement and noting with pleasure that it is possible to reduce the number of our troops in Cyprus, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that we on this side of the House give our support in the knowledge that that United Nations and the Greek, Turkish and Cypriot Governments have said that they want us there and in the knowledge of an assurance that there will be courtesy and respect for our troops stationed there.

What is being done by the United Nations to strengthen the United Nations Force in Cyprus? Is it possible for powers to be given to the Force so that it can effectively carry out its part of keeping the peace?

Will the right hon. Gentleman consult the Secretary of State for Defence on the question of pay? Is he aware that it causes difficulties when British troops who are associated with the forces of other nations get less pay than those other forces and when their conditions are not as good? This is a cause of discontent, and it ought to be put right.

Mr. Sandys

As the right hon. Gentleman said, the question of pay is one for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence. The wider matter of making the Force more effective is one which we have discussed very fully with the Secretary-General. He has given us an assurance that the commander of the Force will interpret his terms of reference in a positive and vigorous fashion.

Sir A. V. Harvey

Is it not a fact that since the United Nations Force came into Cyprus Britain has given additional support in the form of logistics and other services? May we be told what is the figure to date? Is there any possibility of the United Nations sharing this support cost? May we be told whether any condition has been imposed about further support that information about Major Macey and his colleague should be produced?

Mr. Sandys

The troops who are devoted wholly to the provision of logistic support for the United Nations Force are included in the figures which have been given at different times about the size of our contingent. There are services which are rendered by our troops in the sovereign base areas which are not included, and it would be very difficult to estimate exactly what is the proportionate contribution by those troops.

Every effort is being made through all possible channels to find Major Macey and Driver Platt. As the House knows, we have still had no success. We are, therefore, offering a substantial reward for information leading to the discovery of Major Macey and Driver Platt and evidence regarding those concerned with their abduction.

Mr. Grimond

The House will regret that there is no information about Major Macey and Driver Platt, although we gather that all steps are being taken to find them. Have the Cypriot authorities responded in any way to the right hon. Gentleman's request that our troops are treated with proper respect and courtesy?

Mr. Sandys

This matter has been taken up on several occasions with Archbishop Makarios and with the Cypriot authorities generally and they have, as one would expect, deplored what has happened. But the extent of their ability to do anything about it seems to be rather limited.

Sir H. Legge-Bourke

Has there been any change in the views of Her Majesty's Government about the policy of Enosis? If, as I hope, there has been no change, will he make it clear that if General Grivas is again promoting the Enosis cause in Cyprus, Her Majesty's Government are not supporting him in that exercise?

Mr. Sandys

I do not think that it would be useful for me to comment on General Grivas's appearance in Cyprus until the position becomes somewhat clearer.

The general question of a solution to the Cyprus problem has been entrusted to the mediator. We have had discussions with him on the various possible solutions. As the House knows, none of them offers a very easy way out of the problem.

Mr. A. Henderson

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the Government of Cyprus are giving the fullest co-operation through their governmental agencies in trying to discover the present whereabouts of Major Macey and Driver Platt?

Mr. Sandys

We have been assured to that effect.

Dame Irene Ward

Is not this a most magnificent tribute to Great Britain and the British troops and will my right hon. Friend instruct our delegate at the United Nations to say, when we are most unfairly and unjustly attacked, exactly what part Great Britain plays in the world; and hit our enemies for six?

Mr. Sandys

I rather regret that my hon. Friend is not there to represent us herself.

Mr. Warbey

In view of the tributes which have been paid by U Thant to the special value of Britain's contribution in the logistic sphere, could the right hon. Gentleman inform the House that it is inaccurate to say that a 300-strong Signals element was recently withdrawn from our contingent?

Mr. Sandys

I am afraid that I am not aware of that statement.

Sir Harmar Nicholls

Can our undertaking to stay for three months be varied if we do not have the respect given to our troops which we think should be given?

Mr. Sandys

I do not think we want to issue threats at this stage.

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