Strike Threat To De Gaulle

Press, Volume C, Issue 29634, 3 October 1961, Page 15

Strike Threat To De Gaulle

(N ZJ’-A.-Reuter—Copyright)

ALGIERS, Oct. 2. A half-hour strike called by the underground Secret Army Organisation (0.A.5.) in Algeria today gave General de Gaulle’s control its severest test since the collapse of the abortive generals’ coup in Algiers last April.

The O.AE. opposes Genera! de Gaulle’s plans for selfdetermination for Algeria. This evening General de Gaulle wiU deliver a radio and television speech to the nation which is awaited with some apprehension. Europeans expect him to announce the next step in the selfdetermination programme. Some observers think this could spark off violent European reaction which may in turn cause the Moslems to stage a counter demonstration. “Fraternity” Call Duplicated OA.S. leaflets calling for the strike told Europeans to “avoid Gaullist provocations” at all cost and to “maintain fraternity with our Moslem brothers." The French authorities in Algiers have already answered today's strike call by “requisitioning” all State employees to continue to work during the half-hour under pain of disciplinary action including dismissal, fines or imprisonment if they refuse.

Some observers think this was a tactical error because, as one official said, it has drawn attention to the OA.S. which could not in any case check on whether most civil servants had obeyed the call. In Algiers today steel barriers festooned with barbed

wire were stacked on pavements in the city centre so that they could be put in position in a few minutes. The British United Press reported that four people died and seven were wounded in attacks by Moslem and European terrorists with knives, grenades, and bombs in Algeria yesterday. More than 32 bomb incidents occurred during the week-end.