Mr ROSS CAMERON(1.42 p.m.) —The small island of Cyprus, just over one-tenth the size of Tasmania, has a history of being caught in the crossfire between larger powers. Cyprus testifies to the truth of the old adage that `when elephants play, the grass gets trampled'. The island was occupied by the Greeks, Phoenicians, Assyrians, Egyptians, Persians and Romans—all before the birth of Christ. In the past two millenia the trend has continued, with England, Venice and Turkey all assuming control at one time or another.

While I regard the United Kingdom as a most benign imperial power, it must share some responsibility for the present strife. Indeed, Richard the Lionheart invaded Cyprus during the Crusades in 1191 and auctioned the island to Guy of Lusignan, then dispossessed the King of Jerusalem, after the crusading orders of the Knights Templar were unable to meet his price.

At the conclusion of the Russo-Turkish war in 1878, Turkey traded Cyprus to British administration in order to gain a buffer zone against the perceived threat of Russian aggression. On Disraeli's return to London, he boasted: `I bring peace with honour and Cyprus'—indicating that Cyprus was still a chattel to be bought and sold among the great powers and a pleasing addition to the empire upon which the sun never set.

It is also arguable that the United States could have done more—that President Nixon and Henry Kissinger could have resisted the Turkish invasion in 1974. But the US appeared to support the Athenian backed junta against Archbishop Makarios in 1974 which precipitated the Turkish invasion. America's need for Turkey's support in the wider cold war context meant that little international will existed to defend the interests of Cyprus.

More recently, we have seen some encouraging moves towards peace over the past three years, but the past three months have seen a terrible regression into hostility and violence. Tragically, the cycle of violence continues, and I report to the House that yesterday one Turkish Cypriot soldier was killed and another was seriously injured just inside or nearby one of the British sovereign bases. Greek Prime Minister Simitis has issued a statement today—(Time expired)

Mr ACTING SPEAKER —Order! It being 1.45 p.m., the debate is interrupted, in accordance with standing order 104A. The resumption of the debate will be made an order of the day for a later hour. The honourable member will have leave to continue speaking when the debate is resumed.