TRUCE OFFER IN CYPRUS

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28050, 18 August 1956, Page 11

TRUCE OFFER IN CYPRUS

Signs Of Revolt In Eoka (Rec. 11 p.m.) NICOSIA. August 17 British officials today are anxiously watching for signs of a revolt in Eoka ranks after the dramatic terrorist truce offer in thousands of leaflets distributed throughout the island yesterday Officials believe that the extremist Eoka elements will refuse to lay down their arms, and will regard the true' as a betrayal of the fight for union with Greece. There have been repeated in the past that fringe elements have been operating outside the control oi the Eoka leadership. It is believed that such people were responsible for the bomb murder oi the American Vice-Consul, Mr Wi. liam Boteler. and the shooting oi an unarmed British Customs officer Mr George Kaberry, and his wife while they were out on a Sunday picnic. Most officials, while accepting the genuineness of the Eoka truce offer, are not prepared to believe that the violence will come to an abrupt end They believe that the secunlj forces will still have to mop up the extremists. . x _ . .. s British sources speculate tnat un Governor, Sir John Harding, wi I probably make a cautious acceptance of the truce offer —although making It clear that he expects deeds as weii as words.