RENEWED RIOTING

Hokitika Guardian, 14 November 1932, Page 5

RENEWED RIOTING

CRISIS AT 1 GENEVA

GENERAL STRIKE AND ARRESTS.

(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph— Copyright.)

GENEVA, November, 11

The Trades Unions of Geneva have ordered a- twenty-four hours general strike as a protest against the handling of the riot on the lake shore oh Wednesday when a number were killed by machine guns and more were injured.

The situation is serious, Communists are threatening outbreaks in many towns. Ten were arrested at midnight, owing to a riot in Lausanne.

All demonstrations were forbidden. Cavalry are mobilising in readiness. The socialists have abandoned their gen ral strike idea, There was renewed rioting during the funeral of a Communist, who was killed in Wednesday’s riot. . The corpse was wrapped in a red flag in an open coffin. It was passing Guards posted by th e Seventh Geneva Battalion, when the soldiers fraternised with the demonstrators, and joined in the singing of the “International.” The crowd, meanwhile, smashed windows, and cut the ropes controlling ■the tramway guides, thus immobilising the service.

There wel'e other incidents suggesting that the Genevans 'are unreliable, including that of a soldier smashing his rifle and declaring that he would not shoot his compatriots.

These incidents resulted,in two battalions from Valais being rushed to Gjeneva in the levelling. Thereupon the Genevan Battalion, were confined, to the exhibition building.

As a sequel to the strike decision, six battalions of infantry have been mobilised for active service.

Everything is quiet at present. There is no general response to the strike order. ■

The bureau of the Disarmament Conference met to-day under the protection of machine guns. Detachments of troops were discreetly hidden in the gardens all around tire League of Nations buildings, ready in the event of a demonstration. . All roads in the vicinity of the barracks where the troops are mobilising- are barricaded and strongly guarded.

STRIKE NOW ENDED..

LONDON, November 13

The “Times” Geneva correspondent states that the strike, which was not general, has now ended. The Government’s strong action lias restored tranquility.