CONSCRIPTION IN DENMARK

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 26971, 21 February 1953, Page 7

CONSCRIPTION IN DENMARK

SOLDIERS TRIED FOR MUTINY (Rec. 8 p.m.) COPENHAGEN. Feb. 19 A Danish officer stopped a rush of soldiers by threatening them with a Sten -gun when they tried to free an arrested comrade, it was stated at the trial in Copenhagen today of six soldiers accused of mutiny. The incident • was alleged to have occurred at the Bornholm garrison, one of five military camps where about 1800 men refused to obey orders in protest against the extension of the conscription period from 12 to 18 months. The prosecution said that five of the six accused were in the front rank and they urged the others to break into a guardroom where a comrade was under arrest for insubordination. A Lieutenant-Colonel held up his Sten gun and shouted that he would fire if they advanced any further. This stopped them. The authorities have said that only the alleged ringleaders would be prosecuted but if found guilty they would be severely punished. The accused admitted that they had set up sentries armed with cudgels to prevent any of the demonstrators getting away. The six accused were remanded in custody. The police are now looking for civilians who are alleged to have been in touch with the demonstrating soldiers. Most of the soldiers in the five camps have returned to normal duties.