CYPRUS OUTBREAK

Hokitika Guardian, 23 October 1931, Page 6

CYPRUS OUTBREAK

MOB TAKES CHARGE. (United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Received thia day at 12.26. p.m.) LONDON, October 22. The tardiness with which news of the Cyprus upheaval leaked out, is due to the closing of all cable stations except ILarnaca. Owing to the mobs’ threats, Larnaca operators sent out messages with revolvers at their heads. The centre of the disturbance is Nicosia where the Governor’s residence was burned, but Welsh troops and police quickly restored order. Pro-Greeks are still disorderly at Fanagusta, to which troops are hurrying. Governor Stores sent requests to Egypt and Malta for assistance. ■lt is understood there was an immediate response from the fleet, a troop carrying plane landing fifty marines within a few hours and others are embarking at dawn from Alexandria. Luckily the Mediterranean 'fleet concentrated at Crete from which the Shropshire, London, Chester and Ashates sailed immediately. Unconfirmed reports state the population have definitely declared for union witn Greece.

DEMONSTRATORS ATTACK. BISHOP TAKES PART. - - LONDON, October 22. The Cyprus rising began on W ednesday night when 1 three elected members of the local Council headed a large procession which made a demonstration before Government House shouting ‘‘Out with the. foreignei ; down with tyrants. Up with union with Greece.” The demonstrators got out of hand and threw stones when they set fire to Government House. The revolt movement was precipitated by a Bisfiop of the Local Orthodox Church who accompanied by the Mayor and leading citizens of several towns, headed an anti-British demonstration pledging a religious rising against British occupation. Churchbells were rung and streets echoed with shouts of the demonstrators. All night the police made baton charges, when warnings. failed to dis* perse'fho nibb. Finally the police fired, wounding several. The trouble spread to other towns.Women and children at Famagusti (not Fanagusta) were evacuated to the ships-in harbour. All English officials and families are taking, refuge at police , headquarters. The situation ,is still grave, and was; ships which are due to-morrow are eagerly awaited."