September 20, 1958
AGENTS PROVOCATEURS: Nicosia, 18 – Dramatic events took place here today, which have been described by observers as the end of a tacit truce declared by the National Cypriot Fighters’ Organization (EOKA) in their struggle against the Turks and the begining of another struggle against the implementation of the Macmillan plan for the island. This is in view of the scheduled arrival of the Turkish representative on the island on October 1. The United States Vice Consul John Page Wentworth was seriously injured today, as were two young Turkish Cypriots. A British airman sustained light injuries as well. In retaliation, the Turks set fire to a Greek church and three homes. The situation is more critical than ever before, and both the British and Turks are gripped by the fear that EOKA will further intensify its attacks. A strict curfew has been imposed in the old quarter of the city. Political observers say that the wounding of the US vice consul was a provocative act. But it is not in EOKA’s interest to attack an American. On the contrary, they realize that any act of violence against any American would be counterproductive.
