HL Deb 11 February 1975 vol 356 cc1212-5

3.10 p.m.

Lord MERRIVALE

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have received representations from the "British Residents for Justice in Cyprus" concerning the Turkish Cypriot evacuation from Episkopi and the aggravated Greek Cypriot refugee problem due to increasing expulsion from Northern Cyprus; and, if so, what action they are taking

  1. (a) for a Turkish army withdrawal from much of the citrus-growing land, and
  2. (b) for a search to be made in the occupied areas for 3,000 missing Greek Cypriots.

The PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE, FOREIGN and COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (Lord Goronwy-Roberts)

My Lords, Her Majesty's Government have received various representations from the "British Residents for Justice in Cyprus". We have consistently made clear to the Turkish Government that a magnanimous gesture would help to improve the atmosphere. They have so far announced the withdrawal of approximately 1,000 troops. The problem of Greek Cypriots missing behind Turkish lines has been discussed between Mr. Clerides and Mr. Denktash, but they have been unable, so far, to reach a conclusion.

Lord MERRIVALE

My Lords, I should like to thank the noble Lord for his Answer, but would he not agree that the withdrawal of a thousand troops out of approximately 40,000 is negligible and that, in terms of international justice, it is totally wrong and even unlawful for Turkey, backed by its army on the spot, to export from the occupied areas the citrus produce of Greek Cypriot growers and for this to be accepted by the importers of this country? Furthermore, would he not agree that a withdrawal of the troops would greatly facilitate a return to a just solution of the matter; and could not the Government bring greater pressure to bear on the Turkish Government?

Lord GORONWY-ROBERTS

My Lords, on the first and last points, which are related, I agree that the withdrawal of a thousand troops from about 35,000 is not a very large gesture. However, it is a start in the right direction, and we continue to press for an acceleration of withdrawal. On the second point, relating to exports, I should not wish to comment at this short notice. It is an important matter and no doubt will form part of the discussions when they come to the point in some forum or other in, let us hope, the near future.

Earl COWLEY

My Lords, while fully supporting the Government's desire for a peaceful settlement in Cyprus, could the noble Lord comment on the report that Turkish troops are to be offered Cypriot citizenship? Does he really think that this is conducive to a peaceful settlement?

Lord GORONWY-ROBERTS

My Lords, I could not comment on that report, as I have not seen it; therefore I could not say whether it would conduce to any kind of development in the future.

Lord MERRIVALE

My Lords, has the Minister any information concerning the new proposals for a solution of the Cyprus problem which were, I understand, submitted yesterday to Mr. Denktash by Mr. Clerides? In particular, has he information regarding the reaction of Mr. Denktash on the question of the resettlement of approximately 150,000 Greek Cypriot refugees who had to flee from their homes in the North during the fighting?

Lord GORONWY-ROBERTS

My Lords, the talks to which the noble Lord refers began on 14th January, and noble Lords will recall that I expressed cautious optimism about this new series of talks. I am glad to see that they are proceeding. There were in fact talks yesterday, of which reports have not yet reached me. I entirely agree with what the noble Lord has said about the way in which the talks should proceed and, so far, everything said in this House and another place has been helpful to the continuation in series of the talks of 14th January. The parties are now talking about the political problems which, after all, may be the key to a more general solution.

Lord BLYTON

My Lords, does the Minister not consider that these vexatious and partisan questions about Cyprus will not lead to any peace at all? Would it not be better that we should adopt a neutral position and try to help to achieve a settlement?

Lord GORONWY-ROBERTS

My Lords, as I said on the last occasion on which I addressed myself to this question in your Lordships' House, we stand ready to be of every possible assistance in this difficult and dangerous situation. We would help in any forum. There may come a time when a new intervention by this country through some agency or other will prove helpful. We must stand ready to help at all times.

Lord GLADWYN

My Lords, could the noble Lord say whether the Cyprus situation is in any way connected with the dispute between Greece and Turkey over oil in the Aegean Sea?

Lord GORONWY-ROBERTS

My Lords, I could not attempt an exegesis of the whole complex of misunderstanding and difficulty between the two countries. The Cyprus difficulty is enough for the moment. There is of course an argument between these two neighbouring countries as to the situation in the Aegean, linked to oil. One would hope that a settlement of the Cyprus question might lead to or help a settlement of other outstanding difficulties between the two countries.

Lord DRUMALBYN

My Lords, do the Government accept that their involvement in the original constitutional settlement means that they have a special responsibility to ensure that that settlement is restored and made to work?

Lord GORONWY-ROBERTS

Yes, my Lords, I think so, except that we must not in any way impose upon the two communities concerned a solution of our devising and making. It would not suceed, anyway. As I have said, we stand ready to intervene if it is seen to be in the interests of an equitable and durable solution. We should not wish to intervene if, in so doing, we were taken to be trying to impose a solution on two communities which are beginning to talk. I speak again with cautious optimism.

The LORD PRIVY SEAL (Lord Shepherd)

My Lords, I suggest that the last two questions were rather wide of the mark on a Question on refugees. I think that, in the circumstances, we ought to now to move to the next business.