Bombings Mark Algiers Revolt Anniversary

Press, Volume C, Issue 29513, 15 May 1961, Page 11

Bombings Mark Algiers Revolt Anniversary

(N Z.P.A .-Reuter—Copyright) PARIS, May 14. Bomb explosions in Paris and Algiers marked the third anniversary of the European revolt in the Algerian capital on May 13, 195 S—where 26,000 troops, riot police and gendarmes stood ready for instant action. Two Algerian Moslems died last night when another Moslem threw a grenade into a bar in eastern Paris. The attackers were captured by police.

Two plastic bombs exploded in central Paris, at lunchtime yesterday, severely damaging a political club and the offices of the Leftist weekly. “France-Observateur.” Several persons were injured. Earlier, the letters “0.A.5." —the anti-Government secret army organisation in Algiers —were daubed in red paint on the door of the home of a Gaullist municipal councillor in northern Paris after a plastic bomb had exploded outside his home. The Ministry of Cultural Affairs was also damaged by a powerful explosion early yesterday. French authorities massed about 20,000 troops, riot police and gendarmes around Algiers yesterday ready to smash threatened strikes and demonstrations for the anniversary of the 1958 Rightwing rising Long columns of police vans moved into the heart of the city shortly before the 10 p.m. curfew last night, while troops took positions

said the Associated Press. The troops and police were under orders to shoot if necessary.

Warships of the French Mediterranean fleet rode at anchor in the harbour. European extremists opposing Algeria’s evolution towards independence had been threatening armed action for the last two weeks. Police informants said about 6000 armed men. members of the 0.A.5., had been alerted for a possible move on the city. This time, the authorities were not taking any chances. Paratroops, who on a number of occasions had shown complicity with the settlers' efforts to oppose Algeria’s independency, were not called in. Authorities feared that any large-scale European agitation might spark rioting by the nervous and tense Moslems.

By entrenching themselves in Algiers, the Europeans apparently hoped to force the Government to recognise

round Government buildings.

them as a bargaining power on the same level as the Moslem nationalist rebels. A similar attempt collapsed in January. 1960. As the curfew cleared the streets last night, five explosions in different parts of the city occurred within 30 minutes. the British United Press reported Three explosions were reported in Oran and three in Sidi Bel Abbes. There were no casualties. An unconfirmed report said more than 28,000 troops were on guard throughout Algiers. No casualties were reported in the overnight explosions, some of which were thought to have been hand grenades which settlers tossed from balconies to frighten troops patrolling the city. In Oran, eight persons, mainly Foreign Legionnaires. I were injured when a Moslem threw a hand grenade into a bar. Bombs blasted a boys’ school at Gambetta, in Oran Province, and the entrance to the stock exchange building at Bone.