CYPRUS—NO DECISION

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30471, 19 June 1964, Page 11

CYPRUS—NO DECISION

/N.Z.P.A.-Reuter— Copyright) LONDON, June 18. Mr R. A. Butler, the Foreign Secretary, said last night Britain would not take a final view of her peacekeeping force in Cyprus until she had answers to all matters put to U Thant, the United Nations Secre-tary-General. He told the House of Commons he had decided to make further representations to U Thant before the resumption of the peace-keeping force’s mandate and to convey the feelings in Parliament about Cyprus. Members complained during a debate on foreign affairs about the treatment of British troops and the disappearance of a British liaison officer with the United Nations,

Major Macey, and his driver. Mr Butler said he had made representations about the missing men to the United Nations and President Makarios. This evening he had had from President Makarios a message regretting not letting Britain know sooner of his regret and his determination to try to find Major Macey and his driver, Mr Butler said. “We have Informed U Thant that before entering into a commitment for a further period we shall wish to be satisfied that the continued presence of the force is desired by all concerned in the island,” he added. Mr Butler denied press reports that Britain was considering evacuating her sovereign bases in Cyprus. This had been raised by Mr Harold Wilson, leader of the Opposition, in winding up the debate—which ended without a vote—for the Opposition. Mr Butler said, “There is no question of the evacuation

of our sovereign bases in Cyprus. The issue has not been raised, nor discussed and we are not prepared to discuss it."