INCIDENT IN GUINEA

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28792, 13 January 1959, Page 9

INCIDENT IN GUINEA

Troops Invade French Camp

DAKAR (French West Africa). January 12. An official communique said in Dakar today that Guinea forces “invaded a French military camp and former gendarmerie in the Guinea capital of Conakry last night.” ' The communique made no mention of a fight or casualties.

The communique said that the Guinea force comprised gendarmes and policemen, armed with sub-machine guns, led by a representative of the Interior Ministry. They forcibly evicted civilian personnel—all of them Africans and nearly all natives of Guinea —in an operation lasting nine hours and a half—until early today. The communique said the camp and former gendarmerie housed French troops who were liquidating French affairs there and civilian personnel of the French mission in Conakry. The communique, issued by the French Commissariat General in Dakar, said the evicted civilians were regrouped in other accommodation.

According to other z reports reaching Dakar, the Guinea authorities took, down a French tricolour flying at the same military camp two days ago. The flag was hoisted again by a detachment occupying the camp on direct orders of the High Commissioner-General at Dakar and of the general commanding French troops in French West Africa.

Guinea, a former French possession, became independent by voting “no” in last year’s French Constitutional referendum.