FLAMING TORCH OF REVOLT.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXV, Issue 19016, 26 October 1931, Page 7

FLAMING TORCH OF REVOLT.

Activities of Greek Bishop. CALMER ATMOSPHERE IN CYPRUS. United Pt-ees AMOctetlon—By Blectrie Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, October 23. “In the name of God, and the Fatherland” the Greek Orthodox Bishop of Larnaca, raising the cross at Limassol on Tuesday, appealed to a mass meeting at the stadium to fight for the union with Greece, thus lighting the torch of revolt, which spread throughout Cyprus. The police and soldiers erected barbed wire barriers around the Government offices at Nicosia, and told the threatening mob that they would not hesitate to answer violence with bullets. The malcontents soon dispersed. The Colonial Office has issued a statement that the situation in Cyprus has calmed down since the arrival of the warships, though still unsettled. The cruisers London and Shropshire, and the destroyers Acasta and Chates arrived at various ports of Cyprus. The rebels have little ammunition or money, and it is believed that the display of naval, military end air power will quickly cool their tempers. However, the agitation is likely to be further carried on In the hope of inducing British concessions, especially taxes. The Cyprus Government is enforcing a censorship. Code telegrams are accepted only if the key is supplied, enabling the eontents to be deciphered. UNION WITH GREECE DEMANDED. COLONIAL OFFICE REPORT. British Official Wireless RUGBY, October 23. A further Colonial Office statement on the Cyprus situation reports disturbances in Paphos and riots in Limasol, where the Commissioner’s house was burnt, but no casualties are reported. The situation calmed down on the arrival of the naval vessels this morning, and it is stated to be smoothing over generally, though still unsettled. No casualties are reported other than those in Wednesday night’s riots, though one rioter has since died of injuries. The statement refers to certain political leaders of the agitation for union with Greece, who, for some time maintained an obstructive attitude to the Government, and ara now making desperate attempts to obtain publicity for their cause, to break down the tendency towards an understanding and cooperation, for which the Government has been working. For this purpose the criminal propensities of certain elements in the population have been exploited, and on this occasion the situation passed completely beyond the control of the instigators. Official Statements. Governor Storre this morning telegraphed to the military authorities in Egypt cancelling the despatch of a further company of infantry to Cyprus. Mr J. H. Thomas, interviewed today said, although the reports were serious and showed that sinister influences were at work which required to be dealt with very firmly, there was no cause for apprehension, and the situation is well in hand. His latest information was reassuring. GREEK DISCLAIMER. kEVOLT NOT ENCOURAGED. United Press Association—By Bectrlc Telegrapb—Copyright ATHENS, October 23. The differences between the people of Cyprus and Britain cannot create a conflict between Britain and Greece, declared M. Michala Popoulos, the Greek Foreign Minister. The Government did not encourage or support, directly or indirectly, the Cyprus manifestations. NAVAL FORCE RESTORES ORDER. MOBS OUT OF CONTROL OF LEADERS. United Prose Association—By liectrle T el egraph—Copyright (Received October 26, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, October 24. Nicosia reports the old story of mobs getting out of hand, and the leaders Blinking away, while the fanatics set fire to the Governor’s house in five places. It is revealed in the details of the revolt that General Storrs lost the whole of a wonderful collection of Greek sculptures and Byzantine treasures. Colonial Office Report. The Colonial Office has received a telegram from Governor Storrs reporting a disturbance at Limasol, following the arrest of the Archbishop. The police fired on the crowd, wounding three. Marines and seamen, which have been landed at Larnaca to protect Government property, had to assist the police to quell the demonstration. The cruiser Colombo has been ordered from Malta to Cyprus. Nicosia reports that military motors entering at three o'clock, mustered five ringleaders of the revolt, also the Greek Bishop Kitium. All were taken aboard the cruiser. The situation is now peaceful, apart from sporadic demonstrations. The revolt appears to have ended.