ATTACK ON PRESIDENT

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20496, 12 May 1938, Page 9

ATTACK ON PRESIDENT

REVOLT IN BRAZIL QUELLED FIERCE FIGHTING IN THE STREETS THE PALACE GUARD KILL THE COMMANDER (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received May 12, 11.40 a.m.) RIO DE JANEIRO, May 11 Government forces quelled a Fascist revolt after three hours’ fierce fighting in the streets, arresting scores of people. An attempt to seize Dr. Vargas, the President, was thwarted when he stood at a window firing a revolver at the rebels until military aid was rushed to him. Green-shirted members of the outlawed Integralists Party gathered quietly early in the morning at the Ministry of Marine, the President’s Palace and the dock yards. The Government was warned just before the outbreak and quickly prepared a major emergency party. The palace guard joined in the revolt, killing the commander and attempting to capture the palace, but Dr. Vargas, who was alone with his family, darted from window to window, holding the rebels at bay until he was joined by a loyal officer and his son. Thereafter military police were sent to the scene in trucks, armed with machine-guns and quickly subdued the rebels, thirty of whom were arrested et the palace. The main force of the rebels barricaded themselves in the Ministry of Marine, but were dislodged after repeated bayonet charges. The Naval Ministry was twice shelled and was badly damaged. Several rebels were wounded. None was killed. Prince Don Pedro Braganza, second son of the Pretender to the Throne, was wounded in the leg at the palace. It is claimed that he was attempting to aid Dr. Vargas. The police detained him pending investigation. The leaders of the revolt who have been imprisoned include Admiral Raul Tavares. A policeman was critically wounded by a machine-gun bullet. „