ZANZIBAR REVOLT

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30390, 14 March 1964, Page 19

ZANZIBAR REVOLT

Okello’s Death Toll Doubted (N.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright) DAR-ES-SALAAM (Tanganyika), March 11. John Okello, the “Field Marshal” of Zanzibar, today said that nearly 12,000 men, women, and children died in the revolution there two months ago. He gave the figure of 11,995 “enemies” killed during the revolution which toppled the Arab-dominated Government and ousted the Sultan of Zanzibar. Nine of his own men were killed in the fighting, he said. Okello, speaking at a news conference in Dar-es-Salaam, said he had been warned not to return to Zanzibar. He said he had been removed from the Revolutionary Council on which he was originally said to have had power equal to President Abeid Karume. Okello’s total of deaths in the revolution was given little credence by British officials in London. Such a figure was inordinately high, they said. Although no official casualty figures were available, reports had indicated that the death roll was probably more than 1000. The population of Zanzibar is about 312,000. Secret Satellite.—The United States Air Force has launched a top secret satellite, believed to be Samos “sky spy” carrying highly sensitive photographic equpment.—Washington. March 12.