DISORDER IN ARGENTINA

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28800, 22 January 1959, Page 11

DISORDER IN ARGENTINA

Some Unions Call End To Strikes

Press (Rec. 10 pan.) BUENOS AIRES, January 21./ Violence flared in the workingclass area of Buenos Aires last night where strikers built barricades and fought the police.

But reports indicated that the Government’s strong policy was succeeding, and the strikers—who have all but paralysed the country—were divided among themselves. Most non-industrial unions issued a joint statesent last night calling on their members to end their strikes at midnight. News agencies, however, were receiving telephone calls from alleged leaders of industrial unions, which are mostly Peronista, saying “The strike will continue until the last (arrested) workers are released.”

Among those arrested yesterday was Mr John William Cooke, Juan Peron’s right-hand man. Acting President Jose Maria Guido told the nation last night that the Government was “firmly decided to act energetically” to crush what he termed “a subversive plan of unrest.” He blamed the Communists and the Peronistas, saying that the latter were dreaming of a reestablishment of dictatorship, while international communism was anxious “to make hay of a situation of chaos and discontent.” Transport Workers Guarded Troopers with rifles and submachine guns escorted drivers and guards on transport services yesterday. Earlier, transport workers themselves had been drafted into the Army to combat the strike in the capital. Big shops and department stores stayed closed, but smaller

businesses, bars and restaurants opened. ■

Banks and exchange bureaux opened, although staffs were small. Inland and international air services were back to normal In working-class suburbs, where-the strike was still totally in force, windows were shattered and transport services harassed.

In the southern riverside district of the city, pickets stoned buses and set two trams on fire All oil workers were mobilised and the big refinery area at La Plata City was declared a military zone to ensure normal oil supplies. Arrests throughout the country, mostly of Peronista unionists and Communists, are believed to total more than 300.

DUKE ARRIVES IN INDIA

Aircraft Delayed By Fog

NEW DELHI, January 21

After a diversion and delay caused by fog, the Duke of Edinburgh reached New Delhi this morning at the start of the first British Royal visit to India since it gained its independence. Earlier, the Duke’s special Comet airliner was diverted to land at Agra, 100 miles south of Delhi, when thick fog at the airport prevented his plane landing. Several hundred Britons, together with Indian ministers and officials, shivered in fog and drizzle at the airport awaiting the Duke’s arrival.