§ 14. Mr. Dodds-Parkerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether, in view of the increasing external problems and decreasing internal tension in Cyprus he will now initiate proposals to allow a reduction of the United Nations forces, including the United Kingdom contribution.
§ Mr. GodberWe should like to see the United Nations Force, and our own contribution to it, reduced if possible. But we have to bear in mind the operational requirements of its important peacekeeping task. Of course, however, the matter will be kept under review.
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerWill my right hon. Friend consider inviting some of our Western European Union allies who are members of N.A.T.O., as are Greece and Turkey, to participate in this force?
§ Mr. GodberI should not be against it in principle, but the general effort is to reduce this force. It has been reduced from '1,000 to just over 3,000. I should prefer to proceed with the effort of trying to solve the problems and to get rid of the force, but if we have to continue with it, I would not put any bar to my hon. Friend's proposal.