Threat To Resign By Cyprus Governor Reported

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27874, 24 January 1956, Page 13

Threat To Resign By Cyprus Governor Reported

(N.Z. Press Association —Copyright)

(Rec. 11 p.m.) LONDON, January 23. Some members of Parliament will try to force a Government statement in the House of Commons tomorrow on reports that Field-Marshal Sir John Harding may resign from his post as Governor of Cyprus, newspaper reports said today.

One report, featured on the front page of the “Daily Sketch,” said that many members of Parliament believed there had been a major row between the Governor and the Prime Minister, Sir Anthony Eden.

The “Daily Express,” also in a front-page story, said FieldMarshal Harding was insisting on a clear-cut statement of Government policy before he returned to Cyprus.

Since he flew to Britain a few days ago he has twice seen Sir Anthony Eden and the Colonial Secretary, Mr Alan Lennox Boyd.

The “Daily Express” . report said: “He contends that unless this direc-1 t;ve is forthcoming at once, then his use as a civil governor is at an end, and he must be given full military powers. “Field-Marshal Harding also demands that the Cabinet should decide when it will be possible for the Cypriots to elect their own government, and when, thereafter, it will be possible to indicate that Cyprus is to be allowed self-determination,” the ‘•Daily Express” said. The* House of Commons will reassemble tomorrow after the Christmas recess.