52 years since US ambassador Rodger Davies was killed in Nicosia

Nicosia, Cyprus. Today marks 52 years since US ambassador Rodger Davies was assassinated inside the American embassy during a violent anti-American demonstration on August 19, 1974, days after Turkey’s second military offensive. Embassy employee Antoinette Varnava was also shot dead.

Appointment and unrest

Davies, 53, had presented his credentials as ambassador on July 10, 1974, only weeks before the coup against President Archbishop Makarios and the subsequent Turkish invasion.

By August 19, anger towards the United States had intensified among Greek Cypriots who believed Washington had failed to prevent the Turkish advance and was favouring Turkey.

Demonstration at the embassy

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the embassy in Nicosia, burning American flags and chanting slogans against the United States, Nato, the CIA and then secretary of state Henry Kissinger.

The demonstration became violent as protesters confronted embassy security and gunfire was directed at the building. Davies had been advised to move to a safer location but remained inside the embassy.

A bullet struck Davies in the chest. Varnava, a 30-year-old Greek Cypriot embassy employee who moved to assist him, was also shot dead.

Official reaction

The shooting took place while acting President Glafcos Clerides was holding a press conference in Nicosia. He later condemned the killing as “a heinous crime” and expressed his “deepest sorrow and sympathy”.