Revolution Begun by Communists

Grey River Argus, 21 September 1948, Page 5

Revolution Begun by Communists

(N.Z.P.A. —Reuter). (Rec. 11.0). BATAVIA, Sept. 20,

The Communist-controlled Madiun radio has denounced the Indonesia Republican Government led by Mr Hatta as traitors, and it declared: ‘The hour has struck for a Communist Revolution in Java.

“To-day, the revolution has started,” said the commentator. “The military, police and army have been disarmed by the people. The workers and farmers have formed a new Government- and they will not rest until the whole of Indonesia is freed again.” Reports have been picked up by the Dutch monitors in. Sourabaya said that the Madiun radio has accused Mr Hatta of being in secret contact with the Dutch to eliminate the Left Wing parties in the Republic. “We are alarmed that our' Government is becoming Fascist and Militar,” said the commentator. “All authority is combined 'in one . person, Hatta. He is Vice-President. Premier and Defence Minister.” REPUBLICANS ARREST COMMUNISTS BATAVIA, Sept. 20. The Antara News Agency reports mass arrests of Communists in the Republican cap.tai, Jogjakarta. More than two hundred have been taken into custody. The arrests were carried out following on the Communist coup in Madiun, where the administration of the province has been taken ovei by the Communists, with the aid of a Republican Army unit. The streets of the Republican capital are under a strong military gnard but the daily activities of the people are following their normal course.

The Antara Agency reports that the Communists over-threw the Republican administration in Madiun without much bloodshed. Two Army officers were killed. Four people were wounded by the attackers.