An article from the Times of Cyprus published on 29 August 1894 reads:
“It appears that the Troops have received definite instructions to vacate their premises in the early part of January next, and they will not be replaced. The news has caused a panic amongst the Christian population, who are in great dread of the island being vacated all together, and handed back to its owner. That these rumours are doing serious damage to trade and enterprise in Cyprus we all of us can see, and none are better aware of the fact than the Government of the Island, but what is to be done? The Island will suffer in every way so long as the intimidating shilly-shallying policy which has been going on for so long, is continued. If the Home Government intend giving up Cyprus let us know the fact, and tell us when, so that those who have put capital and settled in the Island on the strength of Government proclamations, may endeavour to save what they can, and instead of investing further capital draw in their horns, and gather in what little may be remaining to them. The only conversation one hears now is how soon is the Island to be handed back to Turkey. There was quite a scare on Sunday at Larnaca. The on-dit was that His Excellency arrived late on Saturday evening at Scala in a closed carriage, that a boat was waiting for him on the other side of the Quarantine, that he embarked and was conveyed on board the Cutter where Capt Gaffiero was already in command. The Cutter was to proceed to Beyrout where the Turkish and English Fleets were lying at anchor, His Excellency’s journey being to arrange the preliminaries for the evacuation which was to take place at once. This was positively believed by the whole town, and as I happened to have arrived from Troodos on Monday, the questions as to the whereabouts of the High Commissioner were almost alarming, and were clamorously demanded by almost everyone you met. The fact that raised the people to such a state of panic was that our friend Yalouris, had been brought from Nicosia in a close carriage, and conveyed on board Her Majesty’s Cutter for the benefit of his health. But the panic that existed in Larnaca, and the demand for good old used Fezes was something most exciting. We have quieted down a little, but nothing but a truthful proclamation, assuring us that John Bull this time means what he says, and for the future intends speaking the truth with regard to the policy to be followed in the administration of the island, can quiet the people.”
© Costas and Rita Severis Foundation
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