DOMINICAN CRISIS

Press, Volume C, Issue 29695, 13 December 1961, Page 12

DOMINICAN CRISIS

Balaguer Calls For Elections (N.Z. Preu Assn.—Copyright) SANTO DOMINGO (Dominican Republic), December 12. The President of the Dominican Republic (Mr Joaquin Balaguer) called last night for national elections to be held on May 16 under the supervision of the Organisation of American States. His suggestion came as the troubled Dominican Republic was again plunged deep into crisis, the Associated Press reported. Mr Balaguer made the announcement at a press conference after discussions between the Government and Opposition to solve the political crisis and resultant 12day general strike broke down. A Government formula to solve th* crisis was deadlocked over Opposition demands for Mr Balaguer’s immediate resignation. The Government and armed forces said that he must not be replaced except by electoral processes. .The formula called for formation of a council of State headed by Mir Balaguer with six other representatives, four to be chosen by main political parties and one each from the armed forces and the Church. President Balaguer said he would seek swift legislative reform of the Constitution and ask an Organisation of American States’ Commission to supervise national elections on May 16. An Opposition spokesman asserted after the break-down in negotiations: “We are on the edge of disaster.” Poliomyelitis Outbreak (N.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright) SYDNEY. Dec. 12. Poliomyelitis was reachnear -epidemic proportions in New South Wales, Sydney doctors said today. This year the state has had its highest number of cases since 1956. The director of the state’s poliomyelitis campaign, Dr. E. S. Myers, said, “There is now grave danger that a severe outbreak of the disease could flare up at any time." New South Wales this year has had 11 deaths among the 137 cases reported.