FUTURE OF CYPRUS

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28260, 24 April 1957, Page 13

FUTURE OF CYPRUS

“Base For Use Of H-Bomb”

'N.Z. Press LONDON, April 23. Cyprus may be turned into a H-bomb base, says the

military correspondent of the “News Chronicle.”

“A plan to cut British forces on the island is being discussed in Cyprus this week by the Governor, Sir John Harding, and the Minister of Defence, Mr Duncan Sandys,” says the correspondent. The outcome is likely to be a formula for using Cyprus as a base for a deterrent force equal to that of the United States 6th Fleet.

“Only one airfield with a force of V bombers of the Royal Air Force would be needed. “Both Mr Sandys and Sir John Harding (who still thinks as a Field-Marshal rather than a diplomat) hold the view that from now on British ground troops have no place in Middle East strategy. “Even their presence in large numbers as anti-terrorist forces will not, it is hoped, be necessary for much longer. “As Cyprus has no suitable ports, Malta will remain the N.A.T.O. Mediterranean base for a reduced British fleet and a repair yard “or Allied naval forces,” the correspondent says.