In October 1927, the Governor of the Dodecanese, Mario Lago, visited Cyprus on an official trip. He arrived at Famagusta harbour, but since the feeling against the Italian government of Dodecanese was quite strong, placards had been distributed everywhere, boycotting the arrival. Some people even turned aside and scowled at him!
S. E. Lago was escorted by Lady Ottavia and Cav. Botriccioli. Despite the people's demonstration, there was a reception of officials held on the pier, and when one poor, somewhat half-witted priest went in by mistake, the crowd went wild. They caught him as he was getting out, beat him and even pulled his hair out!
Following the reception, the officials visited the mosque and other parts of the town, arriving finally at the beautiful tower of Othello’s for tea. Sir Ronald Storrs had cleaned out the refectory of the tower to receive his VIP guests. The walls were decorated with medieval banners, while the servants were dressed in medieval clothes. The tea was followed by dinner at the Club. There were three police officers in plain clothes throughout the event. One of them, Cleanthis, was marvellous, in a perfect disguise.
Lago never realised how unpopular he was. The next day, Lago and the party visited Salamis. But back at Nicosia, there was a boycott outside the town towards Government House, placards all across the road saying “Union of Dodecanese and Cyprus with Greece”. After lunch, Lago was taken to see the museum. A big dinner party followed in the evening, with an Armenian band playing. While at the event, Lago received about 27 insulting telegrams from Cypriot people.
© Costas and Rita Severis Foundation
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