HC Deb 21 June 1955 vol 542 cc57-8W
Mr. Patrick Maitland

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to publish in HANSARD, or make available in the Library, extracts from recent Athens radio broadcasts, which contain direct incitements to the Cypriot people to rebel and adopt a policy of violence against the present administration of the island.

Mr. Turton

Copies of monitoring reports on broadcasts by Athens Radio are already available in the Library. The following are some relevant extracts:

ATHENS RADIO "VOICE OF THE FATHERLAND"

Programme on 6th May

Quotation from the newspaper "Ta Nea"

"The Cypriots can only win their freedom by force of arms. The British Government yesterday proclaimed the uncharged character of its policy. Cyprus can only win its freedom by following the example of former British colonies in their liberation struggles. Only if the Conservatives are defeated and if Labour comes to power can Britain agree to negotiate with Greece on the Cyprus issue. If the Conservatives win the elections on 26th May, then the Cypriots must adopt the tactics of the dynamiters by placing themselves under the banner of Digenes."

Programme of 12th May:

Commentary by Karamanos

The verdict of the Paphos court on the Cypriot patriots reminds us of the years of German occupation in Greece, and of the military tribunals of the nazis and the fascists.…

Why should the Paphos verdict remind us of these tribunals, after 14 whole years? Because the Cypriot patriots are doing nothing different from what all the other Greeks did during the period of German occupation, and because the Cypriot patriots must have had the same sentiments that we had. They were convicted because they fought a just struggle against slavery and injustice, and because they refused to accept the continuation of the enslavement of their beautiful fatherland. They were condemned because all Cypriots obey the supreme law of freedom. This is why, even after the condemnation of the patriots, the Cyprus struggle, which is also the struggle of all Greeks, will continue.

Programme on 29th May:

Talk by Mr. Karaiorgas

I have returned from enslaved Cyprus. One of the links in the chain which the British forged 77 years ago has been broken. The Cypriot people are under the iron discipline of the secret liberation organisation, EOK A, and they are ready to break all the chains at the first signal. The occupation of the British has not been milder than those of the Romans, the Franks, the Venetians or the Turks. It has been an unjust and unbearable occupation. It is full of treachery and narrow-mindedness. …

The Cypriots are determined to make any sacrifice to reach their goal. They are convinced that no other road except that of force is open to them. This is why the Paphos trial electrified the people. This is why, also, the enemies of the people have been frightened. This is the first time since 1821 that the Cypriot people have raised their heads in pride and replied to their oppressors that they are ready to fight for their freedom.

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