DISORDERS IN CUBA

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 53, Issue 255, 9 August 1933, Page 5

DISORDERS IN CUBA

INDISCRIMINATE VOLLEYS. TROOPS FIRE ON THE CROWDS. UNPOPULARITY OF PRESIDENT. (United Press Association—Copyright). HAVANA, August 7. The army, late on Monday, took possession of the city, bringing to a climax several days of tenseness and violence, following widespread transport strikes. Reinforcing’ the police, the troops fired on the crowds in attempts to clear the streets. Cavalry paraded through the centre of the town, firing indiscriminately. Unconfirmed reports stated that at least 15 persons were killed. A few hours after 26 persons were reported killed in the disorders. President Machado, on Monday night, appealed to the nation to “defend the Republic’s independence at all costs.” At an earlier hour representatives of all political parties demanded that President MacTiado should quit office. It is reported that 160 persons were wounded in disorders arising out of a demonstration before the Presidential palace. Congress has given the President authority to suspend the constitutional guarantees. SENOR MACHADO'S STAND. \ T O YIELDING OF PREROGATIVES. (Received This Day, 1.15 p.m.) HAVANA, August 8. Tu a statement to-day, Senor Macliada said: “I am, and ivill continue to lie, President of Cuba in the plentitude of all my constitutional prerogatives, of which I may not cede the smallest part without betraying the confidence deposited in me by the Cuban people.” UNITED STATES INTERESTED. MAY POSSIBLY INTERVENE. HAVANA, August 7. The stringent economic conditions of the past few years, due to the chaotic condition of the sugar industry, have caused constant political turmoil. Recently, since the advent of the Roosevelt Administration, the United states envoy has sought to mediate in the trouble and appeared to be making headway until the past fortnight, when Oppositionists became restive and called a general strike, culminating in violence. The army, which is well paid and highly efficient, appeared to be the last chance'President Machado had of retaining power, and lie determined to use it. During a conference between the American Ambassador (Mr Sunnier Welles) and political leaders to-day, it was reported that the decision had been reached that the President must retire. Crowds in the street in front of the Capitol took the report as an announcement that President Machado would retire and started a joyful parade to the National Palace. There they met troops who immediately opened fire with a machine-gun, eight persons being immediately killed and scores injured. , The crowd dispersed, but reformed in the evening in smaller groups, into which the troops fired. The utmost disorder followed. Communications are suspended and there is rioting everywhere. The American Government has the power of military intervention to preserve order and it is believed this might he used if the situation grows worse, although as a last resoit. The United States has large financial interests in Cuba, which will possibly be endangered if conditions get out of hand. .MEDIATION NOT ENDED. 21 KILLED, 130 INJURED. (Received This Day, 9.15 a.m.) HAVANA, August 8. The United States Ambassador is seeking to end the political turmoil in Cuba, which resulted yesterday in a casualty list of 21 dead and 130 injured in street demonstrations. He declared, after a long interview with President Machado to-dav, that his mediation was not ended.