RIOTS IN LONDON

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 21, 20 October 1920, Page 7

RIOTS IN LONDON

c UNEMPLOYED DEMONSTRATION IN DOWNING STREET CROWD ANGERED BY RED FLAGS MOUNTED POLICE DISPERSE MOB By Telegraph-Press Aasooiation-Oopyrijfht London, October IS. There wag serious rioting in Downing Street when several thousand unemployed attempted to reach tho Premier's residence. They were repulsed by the police. The mob 6toned various buildings, smashing tho windows. The police in baton charges hurt many of the rioters. Similar demonstration's in Trafalgar Square were also dispersed. It, is estimated that between 50 and 100 people wee trampled down by the police horses or hurfjiby flying missiles.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. (Rec. October 19, 5.5 p.m.) London, October 18. • Ten thousand London unemployed, ■headed by the Mayors of fifteen boroughs which elect Labour councils, marched to Downing Street. They ineluded many ex-soidiers and dockers, carrying- red flags, which led to scrim mages . until the red flags were torn to pieces by hostile elements, who were angered by cheers raised for a revolution. The disturbances were renewed to' Downing Street, while the Mayors were interviewing Mr.. Lloyd George. The crowd broke through the police cordon, necessitating tho use of mounted police. There was some stone-throwing, several tivilans and at least twenty police being injured. Finally, the mounted men were ordered to olear Downing Street and Parliament Street. The demonstrators continued tho baitle by flinging over walls stones and bits of granite at the police until the crowds wero broken up.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. RIOTERS OF HOOLIGAN TYPE DEMONSTRATION USED AS COVER FOR LAWLESSNESS. (Rec. October 19, 9.20 p.m.) London, October 19. Seventy persons were more or less injured in the AY'hitehall riot. Twenty were removed on stretchers, and several were deitained in hospital. The genuine demonstrators numbered about fifteen thousand, and wero mostly ex-service men. The police and other witnesses state that the rioters numbered l several thousand, and were nearly all hangerson of the hooligan East End foreigner type, who were using the demonstration as a cover for lawlessness. Towards the close of the riot a jewellers' sfep in the Strand, near Trafalgar Square, wns looted. Another gang of rioters broke the doors of the Junior Army and Navy Club, and ransacked bags arid portmanteaux in the vestibule. A strong force of police patrolled the streets in the neighbourhood of Trafalgar Square to pievert further looting.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ! PROVISION FOR UNEMPLOYMENT STATEMENT BY MR, LLOYD GEORGE.- . (Rec. October 19, 7.20 p.m.) London, October 18. Mr. Lloyd George, replying to the deputation, which included' officials of exservice men's organisations, said the Government was fully alive to the pledges given to soldiers, and intended making the most liberal and generous provision ever made for unemployment after a war. The Government had placed definite proposals before the London County Council tx> relieve-the unemployment, and would provide half, the neces- . snry money, i Mr. Lloyd George added that the proposals must first of all he explained to Parliament, but he indicated that there were housebuilding schemes providing employment for unskilled ex-service men, despite the build- , ing trade unions' veto.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable | Assn.