Cyprus (Hansard, 30 March 1965)

§ 4. Mr. Channon
asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what progress has been made towards a solution of the Cyprus problem.

§ Mr. Bottomley
The Report of the United Nations Mediator has been submitted to the Secretary-General, and I understand it will be published later today. Meanwhile, the Security Council on 19th March agreed unanimously to renew the Mandate of the United Nations Peace-keeping Force. We strongly supported this. We have also said that we will continue to provide a contingent of about 1,000 men for the Force, a further financial contribution of $1 million, and logistic support.

§ Mr. Channon
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that both sides will welcome the fact that Great Britain is doing so much to try to arrive at a peaceful solution of the Cyprus problem? When the Mediator's report is published, are we likely to see the first steps to a final solution being taken, or will the report be interim?

§ Mr. Bottomley
We have not yet seen the report. Until we do so, there is nothing further to be said on the matter at this stage.

§ Mr. Sandys
Have the present Government had discussions with the Mediator? Are they keeping in touch with the other Governments of the guarantor Powers?

§ Mr. Bottomley
It would not be true to say that we have had discussions with the Mediator. We have seen him and have had talks with him about what is going on in an attempt to bring about peace in Cyprus. With regard to the other powers concerned, on every possible occasion we do what we can to make sure that peace is secured in Cyprus.

§ 6. Mr. Wall
asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what action he proposes to take, as one of the guarantor Powers, to end the present position in Cyprus by which some 10,000 Greek soldiers are serving in Cyprus, contrary to the provisions of the constitution and the Treaty of Guarantee.

§ Mr. Bottomley
The British Government as well as the Greek and Turkish Governments accepted the Security Council Resolution of 4th March, 1964, under which the United Nations Peace-keeping Force was set up and a Mediator was appointed to promote a settlement of the political dispute. Her Majesty's Government's policy continues to be to give full support to the U.N. Force and to the Mediator's efforts. We have made it plain to all concerned that we deplore any actions which exacerbate the situation and make the achievement of a settlement more difficult.

§ Mr. Wall
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the question was not about the United Nations Force? Under the Constitution, the Greeks were allowed 950 troops in the island, but there is now a far larger number there. Does he agree that posts guaranteed to the Turkish-speaking Cypriots under the Constitution have been taken over by Greek Cypriots? Have we protested? If not, why not?

§ Mr. Bottomley
The Security Council has repeatedly called on both sides to exercise the utmost restraint. We have joined in those representations and I have nothing further to say now.

§ Mr. Crawshaw
There is more than a suspicion that the Government are committed to an eventual take-over of Cyprus by Greece. If this is not the Government's view, can we ensure that a one-sided build-up is not being made to the detriment of the Turkish community in Cyprus?

§ Mr. Bottomley
Appeals have been made by the Security Council to both sides not to worsen conditions. I would hope that Members on both sides would not at this stage try to worsen the position by questions of that kind.

§ Mr. William Yates
Will not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the Government have followed a consistent policy to assist the Secretary-General and his Mediator? If they request the use of one of our bases in Cyprus, will the right hon. Gentleman be kind enough to give the matter urgent consideration? In addition, could we not have more police and fewer troops in Cyprus?

§ Mr. Bottomley
The question of British bases does not arise. That is a matter for the British Government alone. Therefore, there is no need to ask for any further action by anybody in this respect. As to the question of police rather than soldiers —as a general principle I would say that we would agree with that if it was possible to bring it about.