NO MONEY FOR CYPRUS FORCE

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30667, 5 February 1965, Page 11

NO MONEY FOR CYPRUS FORCE

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright)

NEW YORK, February 4. The United Nations Secretary-General U Thant, said yesterday the United Nations peace-keeping operation in Cyprus is again in financial difficulties. He made an urgent appeal for funds. the same time, Turkey warned the United Nations of a possible renewal of'fighting in the island and urged U Thant to take the measures to forestall it.

U Thant asked for more money from the 33 countries which have already contributed to the expense of maintaining the peace force.

The cost of maintaining the force for the three months to last December 27 still had not been met, and payments and pledges for current period, due to expire next month, were insufficient to cover current expenses, a U.N. spokesman said. The cost was about seven million dollars, but contribu ; tions totalled only 4,893,351 dollars. In January-March, 1965, costs would remain at about the same, but payments and pledges so far received—from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Britain and Sweden—were far below this total. Britain had contributed one million dollars, Sweden 120.000 dollars and Austria 40.000 dollars. Belgium had pledged about 120.000 dollars and Australia 100.000 dollars. The U.N. force on Cyprus Is made up of people from Britain, Austria, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Ireland and Sweden. Australia, Austria, Denmark, New Zealand and Sweden have provided civilian police. The operation is financed by voluntary funds, in accordance with a Security Council decision.