September 13, 1956
AVEROF-PINEAU ON CYPRUS: Paris, 12 – (From our correspondent Spyros Theodorou) – Greek Foreign Minister Evangelos Averof had a lengthy meeting today at the Quai d’Orsay with his French counterpart Mr Christian Pineau, who assured him that the presence of French troops on Cyprus in no way signified any interference by France in the Cyprus issue. Foreign Minister Pineau added that the French troops on Cyprus had been given strict orders to avoid any involvement in the conflict between the British and Cypriot patriots and to maintain friendly relations with the Cypriot people. Mr Pineau explained to Mr Averof that the troops were there to protect French interests and French citizens in the eastern Mediterranean in the event it became necessary. (Ed. note: Preparations were being made for an attack on Egypt because of its nationalization of the Suez Canal.) SKARAMANGAS SHIPYARDS: A contract for the construction of the country’s first shipbuilding and repair yard was signed yesterday evening at the Coordination Ministry. Mr Stavros Niarchos signed the contract on behalf of the Niarchos Group, which is to construct the yard.
