OUTSIDE INFLUENCES IN STRIKE

Chronicle (Levin), 18 June 1948, Page 5

OUTSIDE INFLUENCES IN STRIKE

Reeeived Tlnirsdav, 8.50 p.m. PARIS, June 17. The Deputv Prefeet for Clermont F errand ( M. Pierre Bertaux) elaimed tliat outside intluences were behind the strike. He had proof that the strike had been planned a long time ago. II c said those arrested included two formei German jirisoners of war and M0 Spaniards and Italians. Agency correspondeuts said thep were unable to lind conlirmation of au\ formal truce at Clermont Ferrand, but the strikers' pavingstone barricade wero desorted during the night when most of the strikers went home to sleep. The Assneiatod Press says five regiments of troops have reached Clermont Ferrand. Fifty thousand are now out on a sympathy strike throughout France. The Clermont Ferrand authorities and the strikers have arrauged a truce The terms are tliat the police withdrav lo the original positions outside th factory and Ihe strikers post a pioke! before eoch ])olice barrier to stop an demonstrator reaching the police. P was not specified whether the police and troops would be evacuatftd from tio factorv itself. Negoliations will be resumed todav. The management oi' the Bergougimn factory will be calleo in to trv to settle the wage disputc which led to the strike. Casualties s. f'ar total 400, of wliom 90 civilians an.? 18 police are in hospital. The arrest.' total over 100. Reuter's Clermont Ferrand corres '[kilfdeift says 'the strike battles itvwhich about 400 have thusfar been in.jured dro])])ed into a lull earlv tliis moitiiug vvlien most of tlie oll'ensive strength oi'.l the strikers went hoine to sleep t'ollow I ing the truce. The •'front" was quiet | with only defensive guards 011 jiavingstones and barricades in tlie narrow 1 Hue Fontgieve leading to the Ber gougnan tvro factorv where the major ' i-lashes oecurred. A eompany of 509 1 Republican Becurity Guards was flowu i into the city from the Lyons area late last night.