§ 17. Mr. Dodsworthasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made with the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions 353 and 360 concerning the future of Cyprus.
22. Mr. R. C. Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further initiatives he proposes to try and attain a settlement of the Cyprus dispute.
Mr. James CallaghanTalks have taken place on humanitarian issues between Mr. Clerides and Mr. Denktash, but no progress has been made on political matters. I had discussions with the Greek and Turkish Foreign Ministers last week with a view to facilitating these.
§ Mr. DodsworthI am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, but can he reconcile the reports of the supply of a British-made computer to those directing Turkish troops in Cyprus with his declared intention to protect the interests, property and security of all citizens in Cyprus, whether British, Turkish or Greek?
Mr. CallaghanI must ask the hon. Gentleman to put down a Question about the computer. I was not aware of it until he spoke.
Mr. MitchellDocs my right hon. Friend think that the return of Archbishop Makarios will make a settlement in Cyprus easier or more difficult to obtain?
Mr. CallaghanThe Archbishop has been making a number of visits in the island and has seen for himself the conditions in which the refugees are living and the division which has taken place in the island. I am sure that he will lend his great weight to a settlement of these issues, which will benefit all the people there.
§ Mr. GorstWill the Foreign Secretary indicate when the refugees in the British bases are likely to be released to go where they wish?
Mr. CallaghanWe certainly do not wish that the refugees should be held in the British bases. Their homes are mostly in Greek-occupied territory. If Mr. Clerides and Mr. Denktash can begin discussion on these political matters, I would hope that this would be the kind of settlement they would get down to as an item of priority?
§ Mr. DalyellMay I draw to my right hon. Friend's attention the strong view of the Cypriot communities in Glasgow 1568 and Edinburgh that everything should be done to prevent partition?
Mr. CallaghanIn all my conversations, both Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders in Cyprus and the Greek and Turkish Foreign Ministers have always emphasised that they have no desire to see the island partitioned.