[Cyprus Emergency [Greek Cypriot War of Independence], 1955 to 1959.] Red card carrying ‘Restricted’ printed British Army ‘Instructions to individuals for opening fire in Cyprus. | Issued by Chief of Staff to H.E. the Governor.'

An interesting artefact, issued at the commencement of the conflict, and laying out the rules of engagement. The only copies traced are in the A. J. B. Walker collection in the Imperial War Museum, the National Army Museum and the University of Cyprus. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. On 26 December 1955 the British Governor General of Cyprus declared a state of emergency, as a result of the EOKA insurgency which had begun with the 1 April Attacks. 4pp, 32mo, printed in black on a bifolium of red card. At the top left of first page and bottom right of last page: ‘Restricted.’ Heading beneath this word: ‘Instructions to individuals for opening fire in Cyprus. | Issued by Chief of Staff to H.E. the Governor.’ Text divided into eight sections: ‘1. Individual responsibility.’, ‘2. When you should fire.’, ‘3. When you should not fire.’, ‘4. How to fire.’, ‘5. Sentries and picquets.’, ‘6. Escorts.’, ‘7. Individual self defence.’, ‘8. Reports.’ Following the end of the eighth section is the slug: ‘CS/1060/A/Dec. 55.’ Section 4 consists of the following: ‘(a) Always fire aimed shots. / (b) Aim at the part of the body you are least likely to miss, i.e., in the middle. / (c) Never fire warning shots over people’s heads.’ And Section 7 contains: ‘(b) Don’t join in brawls. Always avoid trouble if you can.’