§ 79. Mr. Donnerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what reply has been sent to the Nicosia Builders and Contractors Association's request to maintain a private defence force against gangsters; and what measures are being taken to maintain law and order in Cyprus, and to provide a greater sense of security than now prevails in the Colony.
Mr. Creech JonesThe Association has been informed by the Acting Governor that authority cannot be given for the maintenance of private defence forces. With regard to the second part of the Question, normal police measures are taken to safeguard law and order. I understand that the incident which was the immediate cause of the Association's request is now the subject of prosecutions in the local courts.