BEIRUT: A Turkish battle fleet, carrying troops and tanks, headed in the general direction of Cyprus today [July 19] in the midst of intense diplomatic activity to avert Turkish intervention on the island. A Turkish Government spokesman in Ankara confirmed that the fleet had sailed from Mersin, on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, which at its closest point is only 40 miles from Cyprus, but did not reveal its destination or the purpose of the movement. … While diplomatic contacts continue, we are taking the necessary precautions, the spokesman … said.

[Meanwhile, as reported by news agencies from Madrid,] Spanish Head of State Francisco Franco, 81, today [July 19] temporarily transferred his powers to Prince Juan Carlos, following a deterioration in health, State Radio said. The Prince, 36, is Franco’s own choice as successor after he dies. Franco, in hospital here for treatment of a circulatory ailment, suffered a “relapse because of gastric complications. …” Sources said the Prince would assume the role of Provisional Chief of State later today. Today’s decision did not rule out the possibility of Gen. Franco re-assuming power when he recovers from his present illness.

Published in Dawn, July 20th, 2024