STRIKE IN PERU

Hokitika Guardian, 14 November 1930, Page 5

STRIKE IN PERU

AGAINST FOREIGN EMPLOYEES

\ rUnited Press Association.—By Electrio

Telegraph.—Copyright.]

LIMA (Peru), November 13

The Foreigners in the mountainous interior around the mining areas of La Oroya, in Peru are fleeing tonight before enraged miners, who rioted and killed two Americans, and *ne Australian, and wounded many others.

Twelve of the miners were killed, and twenty-five were wounded in battles with the police, who have been reinforced by Republican Guards. The Cerro De Paso Company ordered its 350 employees, who mostly are British, to evacuate immediately.

Labour idifficulties caused riots in which the miners staged demonstrations.

Thereupon, the Labour leaders seized two of the British mine employees. The miners threatened to strike unless they "were released. This was done and the situation was believed to be calmer, when news of the riots was received, and the evacuation was ordered.

The Confederation of Workers in Lima have called a strike ill protest against the insolent attitude of the British Imperialistic firm of, Luhcnn Fox and Company in conflict with the labourers of" tho Uft'-on Textile I‘flc* tory. ■

The newspaper "Comercio,” in a leading article , stated“ The general strike' threat must he regarded as a manifestation of a revolutionary character, which cannot be condoned in any manner.”

PERU DISTURBANCES

LIMA, November 13

Military law was invoked here and 'in other cities of Peru to-day. Several Americans were fatally assaulted by striking miners in the neighbourhood cif Cerrode de Pasco mines.

United States has large copper, gold and mining interests in this district, fifteen' thousand feet above the sea. British and American women and children are being moved out of the mining area.

A WOMAN LEADER.

BRITISH MINER DRIVES TRAIN.

(Received this dav at 12-25. p.m.) NEW YORK, November 13.

News from Lima states the refugees gave picturesque accounts of their experiences in Cerro de Pasco region. It is now known that 145 foreigners aye still within the danger zone. Miners are reported to have been led in their attacks by a. “white Peruvian Woman named Grey,” Who shouted for them to “kill the Yuhkeea and drink their blood,'*

Refugees arrived at Lima mi a tram driven by a British minor, Knubson, who assumed'Control and brought the train through with great difficulty, due to his unfamiliarity with engine driving.

FURTHER TROUBLE FEARED

LIMA, November 13

Evidences, of a revolt are visible at various points in the interior. Foreigners reaching- here, are . considerablly worried over the fate of others left behind along the disorganised small railways, which are undependable at best.

The authorities assert that the troubles are largely due to Communistic influence among native miners or serranos, who are invariably susceptible to influence among political and Labour agitators. The latter recently have been inciting trouble,'due to the closure of the mines following a drop of metal prices. A general strike was threatened throughout Peru. It appears closer to-day, but the outcome of the whole trouble largely depends whether foreigners were among a number of women who succeeded from escaping from the excited natives. The latter, as descendants of the conquered Inca races continue to harbour hatred against foreigners.