HC Deb 09 February 1965 vol 706 cc185-6
14. Mr. Francis Noel-Baker

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what official conversations have taken place with the Government of Cyprus since Her Majesty's present Government took office.

Mr. Bottomley

None, Sir.

Mr. Noel-Baker

In view of the fact that even if it does ultimately take place, any debate in the United Nations Assembly on Cyprus is almost certain to be inconclusive, is it not time that serious consideration was given to a new initiative in solving the problem? Would it not be a very useful preliminary if talks were to be had with the Cyprus Government by a senior member of this Government?

Mr. Bottomley

No, Sir. At the moment, the matter is with the United Nations. A mediator has been appointed, and until he has made his report it would be unwise for any other action to be taken by Her Majesty's Government.

Mr. Sandys

Will not the Government very soon have talks with the Cyprus authorities about the problem that will arise if the peace-keeping force has to be withdrawn because of lack of funds?

Mr. Bottomley

This is a matter for the United Nations, initially. We shall, of course, play our part in trying to get a settlement of the problem.

Mr. Noel-Baker

When is it anticipated that the mediator will make a report?

Mr. Bottomley

The question of his report to the United Nations is a matter for the mediator.

Mr. Goodhew

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the United Nations will take fully into account the interests of the Turkish people in Cyprus, who rather seem to have been left out in the past?

Mr. Bottomley

Unlike the hon. Member, who seems to show partisanship, we are impartial in this matter.

Mr. Sandys

Does the Minister realise that, if the peace-keeping force does break down through lack of funds, the British Government, as one of the signatories to the Treaty of Guarantee, will have certain problems on which they will have to take a view pretty quickly?

Mr. Bottomley

Yes, Sir. The Government recognise that, as one of the signatories to the Agreement, they have obligations which have to be met.

Mr. Speaker

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd, for the next one.

Mr. Goodhew

On a point of order. The right hon. Gentleman has suggested that I am partial in this matter. Am I not entitled to ask him whether he is aware that the United Nations appears to be even more partial?

Mr. Speaker

I do not think that it would stop allegations of this kind.

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