Left-Wing Protests In France Over O.A.S.

Press, Volume C, Issue 29691, 8 December 1961, Page 17

Left-Wing Protests In France Over O.A.S.

(N-Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) PARIS, December 7. More than 60 policemen and demonstrators were injured last night as thousands of left-wingers demonstrated in Paris and in other big towns to protest against the plastic bomb terrorism of the rightist Secret Army Organisation (OAS.).

A total of 64 persons, including 25 policemen, were reported hurt in clashes between police and demonstrators. It was estimated that up to 10.000 persons took part in leftist-backed demonstrations

in Paris, marching through the streets shouting "O.A.S. assassins” and calling for the execution of the O.A.S. leader, the former General Raoul Salan. Clashes in the Paris area resuited in 14 policemen and 14 civilians being injured. A further 30 persons, including 10 policemen, were injured in Toulouse. The O.A.S. opposes President de Gaulle’s Algerian self determination policy. Police used tear gas to break up a demonstration of up to 4000 persons in Lyons, where six persons, including a policeman, were hurt. In some of the Paris suburbs workers left their jobs half an hour earlier than normal to take part in demonstrations.

Yesterday the French Government decided to step up its hunt in France and Algeria for members, sympathisers and financial supporters of the O.A.S. After a Cabinet meeting presided over by General de Gaulle, three measures are being put into force at once: Anyone supporting the O-A.S. —a seditious body—by spoken or written word will be liable to internment for an indefinite period. Anyone proved to have given money to the O.A.S even under threat, and even if reporting the matter afterwards, will be liable to be charged with complicity in the actions of a seditious organisation. French journalists interviewing O.A.S. leaders are liable to be charged with complicity in an attempt against the security of State. A decree is to be issued immediately ordering the dissolution of the OAS.