Cyprus Constitution (Discussions with Co-Guarantors)

HC Deb 03 August 1965 vol 717 cc275-6W

Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if he will make a further statement about discussions with the co-guarantors of the Constitution of Cyprus, which has now been denounced by the President; and what further steps he proposes to take to maintain the constitutional rights of the Turkish Cypriots which Great Britain has guaranteed.

Mr. Cledwyn Hughes

As the hon. Member will know, the Turkish Government addressed a Note on 29th July to Her Majesty's Government and to the Greek Government requesting formal consultations under Article 4 of the Treaty of Guarantee. At the same time the Turkish Government requested a meeting of the Security Council which is due to start later today. In our view responsibility for peace-keeping rests in the first instance with the United Nations and we naturally hope they will be able to deal adequately with the present situation. I think hon. Members will agree that it would be appropriate to await the outcome of that meeting.