March 20, 1954
ANTI-GOVERNMENT PROTESTS: There were violent incidents on the island of Rhodes yesterday morning when about 5,000 youths staged a demonstration in front of the British Consulate over the decision not to unite Cyprus with Greece. Police officers clashed with demonstrators who broke hundreds of windows in the consulate and surrounding shops. About 16 students were injured, four gendarmes, four members of the fire brigade, security officials and many passers-by. Other anti-British demonstrations were held in Athens during a lecture by the British journalist Mr McLachlan at the offices of the Greek-British Association. British Ambassador in Athens Sir Charles Peake lodged a demarche in the afternoon with the Greek foreign minister, Stefanos Stefanopoulos, in protest at the incidents. PAPAGOS STATEMENTS: Prime Minister Field Marshal Alexandros Papagos has made the following statement: «(…)These youths should know that national sentiments are not respected when expressed in improper ways, but only through an established civilized means of protest.»
