FRACAS AT PERONNE.

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 16721, 2 January 1920, Page 7

FRACAS AT PERONNE.

« FRENCHMEN CHARGED WITH MURDER. (Br Ckblo—Prras Association —Copyright.) (Australian N.Z. CabW Association^ LONDON, December 30. Tho enquiry held bv tho British authorities with refcrcnco to the Poronno fracas on November 14th shows that two Australians belonging to tho Graves Detachment entered a cafo. Tlioy wero accused by a Frenchman bolonging to a reconstruction camp of mixed" nationalities of stealing a hatchet. . The Australians denied tho accu.«uvtion, but wore assaulted. Tho Australians forccd their way to tho door, and ran down tho road. Their nssiulants followed them, firing revolvers. Ono Australian was killed and tho other severely wounded. Tho commander of tho reconstruction camp, in a lotter, deeply regrets tho incident, and pays a warm tributo to tho Australians' gallantry in the war, and to the good conduct of those in tho neighbourhood. Four Frcnchmon have been arrested and charged with murder. fA serious fracas was reported on November 14th from Peronno, where a party of Australians sought to enter a cafe. Many customers were already seated, and a disputo arose. Soirc customers inside opened fire with revolvers, stating that thoy did so in defence of tho Frcnch proprietor. Ono Australian was killed and another wounded, j