FIST FIGHTS IN DIET

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27985, 4 June 1956, Page 11

FIST FIGHTS IN DIET

Japanese Press And Radio Critical

TOKYO, June 2.

Japanese legislators this morning wearily went into recess after an overnight session in Parliament during which blows were exchanged as the Government faced a showdown over the passage of its Education Reform Bill.

Two Socialists collapsed from fatigue during the session which continued from Thursday until early Saturday morning. Several Parliamentary guards were taken out on stretchers following a clash with Socialist members who rushed the rostrum of the Upper House President.

The Vice-Director of the Upper House Secretariat was beaten and dragged from his seat. The Upper House President, Mr Tsuruhei Matsuno. finally called in police reinforcements and order was restored.

The Foreign Ministry this morning issued a circular explaining the position.

A Japanese Foreign Office circular said: “In light of the recent confusion and d -order in the House of Councillors. Mr Tsuruhei Matsuno, President of the House of Councillors, asked the police to exercise its authority in the House of Councillors. This measure was taken solely for the purpose of excluding undue interference with the exercise of official duties and maintaining smooth proceedings in the Diet.”

The Tokyo Metropolitan Police said they sent 500 men to answer the summons.

The Tokyo Socialist Party this morning protested against the calling of the police and accused the Government and the Liberal Democratic Party of attempting to place the blame for the Diet disorder on the Socialists.

The Japanese press and radio this morning were bitterly critical of the entire Parliamentary proceedings. The news dominated the local press. One front-page headline said: “Diet riot drags the nation into disgrace.”

Springbok Player Robbed.— Karl van Vollenhoven, the only policeman in the Springbok side, yesterday lost his trousers and £2O in cash to a thief. The thief, who entered van Vollenhoven’s hotel room, also took personal papers and his passport. Some time later the personal papers were found ripped up in a nearby bathroom.— Brisbane, June 3. *<■