Georgios Grivas-Digenis[/caption]EOKA (Εθνική Οργάνωσις Κυπρίων Αγωνιστών, National Organisation of Cypriot Fighters), under the leadership of Giorgos Grivas-Digenis, began its struggle to liberate Cyprus from British colonial rule and unite the island with Greece with a series of bomb attacks targeting government installations on 1 April 1955. The text below is from the leaflet disseminated in Cypriot villages and towns by the organisation to coincide with the beginning of the campaign:
With God’s help, with faith in our righteous struggle, the support of all Hellenism, and the help of Cypriots, WE START OUR FIGHT TO RID OURSELVES OF THE BRITISH YOKE, having as our motto that which our forefathers left as a sacred heritage, ‘WITH YOUR SHIELD OR ON IT’.
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Georgios Grivas-Digenis with EOKA guerrilla fighters[/caption]CYPRIOT BROTHERS
From the depths of the centuries, looking down at us are all those who glorified Greek history in preservation of their freedom, the soldiers of Marathon and Salamis, Leonidas’ 300 and the fighters of the Albanian epos. Looking down at us are the fighters of 1821, who taught us that freedom is only won with BLOOD. All of Hellenism is watching us, anxiously and with national pride.
Let us show with our actions that we will surpass them.
The time has come to show to the world that, even if international diplomacy is UNJUST and COWARDLY, the Cypriot soul is brave. If the conquerors do not want to grant us our freedom, we will take it ourselves with our own HANDS and BLOOD.
Let us show to the world one more time that Greeks will not tolerate slavery. The struggle will be difficult. The tyrant has the means and numbers.
We have the SOUL. We have JUSTICE on our side. That is why we will WIN.
GREEKS
Wherever you are, listen to our voice.
FOLLOW US FOR THE FREEDOM OF CYPRUS.
EOKA
THE LEADER DIGENIS
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