CIVIL WAR.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 63, 26 December 1935, Page 5

CIVIL WAR.

VENEZUELAN STREET FIGHTING. SEQUEL TO DICTATOR’S DEATH. (United Press Association— Copyright.) NEW YORK, December 24. Civil war in Venezuela, after almost 20 years of tranquillity, is reported by travellers from that country and various neighbouring capitals, who say that 40 ivere killed in street battles in Caracas. The declaration of martial laiv in various parts of the country is said to be imminent, as the provisional President, General Lopez Contreras, is battling desperately against the rebellion, which has threatened since the death of the Dictator-President, General Juan Vicente Gomez, last Aveek, threAV the nation into turmoil. Thousands of political prisoners kept in dungeons for the last 10 or 15 years while General Gomez ruled the countiy Avith a rod of iron, and thousands of exiles avlio returned on the dictator's death, were conspicuous in the efforts to overthroAV the remnants of the latter’s regime. Observers could pick out the freed prisoners among the rebels by their pale faces. The oilfield district near Maracaibo was described as one of the hotbeds of anti-Government feeling. Several buildings owned by friends of General Gomez were fired, and fear was expressed for the safety of rich oil ivorkings.