SERIOUS SITUATION

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17606, 23 October 1931, Page 9

SERIOUS SITUATION

UPHEAVAL IN CYPRUS TROOPS RUSHED TO SCENE DETAILS OF DISTURBANCES. (Elec. Tel. Copyright—Unitod Press Assn.) (Received Oct. 23, 2 qr.in.) LONDON, Oct. 22. The tardiness with which news of the Cyprus upheaval leaked out ‘was due to the closing of all cable stations except that at Larnaea, owing to mobs’ threats. Larnaea operators sent out messages with revolvers in their hands. The centre of the disturbance is Nicoesia, where the Governor’s residence 'was burned, but Welsh troops and the police quickly restored order. Pro-Greeks are still disorderly at Fanagusta, to which troops are hurrying. The Governor, Sir Ronald Storrs, sent requests to Egypt and Malta for assistance. It is understood that there was an immediae response from the fleet, a troop-carrying plane landing 50 marines within a few hours, and others are embarking at dawn for Alexandria. Luckily, the Mediterranean Fleet was concentrated at Crete, from which the Shropshire, London, Chester, and Achates sailed immediately. Unconfirmed reports state that t-lie population lias definitely declared for union with Greece. The rising began on Wednesday night when three elected members of the local Council headed a large procession which made a demonstration before Government House, shouting: “Out with the foreigner,” “Down with the tyrants,” and “Up with the union with Greece.” The demonstrators got out of hand, threw stones, and then set. lire to Government House.

The revolt movement was precipitated by a bishop of the local Orthodox Church, who, accompanied by Mayors and loading citizens of several towns, headed an anti-British demonstration, pleading a religious rising against British occupation. Church bells were rung and the streets echoed with the shouts of the demonstrators all night. The police made a baton charge when warnings failed to disperse the mob. Finally the police fired, Wounding several. The trouble spread to other towns. Women and children at Famagusta evacuated Ip ships in harbor. AH English officials and families are taking refuge at police headquarters. The situation is still grave, and the warships ‘which are due to-morrow arc eagerly awaited.