UNREST IN GUATEMALA

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29742, 8 February 1962, Page 13

UNREST IN GUATEMALA

Earlier Curfew After Robbery

(N.Z, Press Assn.—Copyright) GUATEMALA CITY (Guatemala), February 7. "Pro - Castro elements" attacked two Army posts and robbeid a United Fruit Company office near Guatemala’s Atlantic coast yesterday. President Miguel Ydigoras Fuentes said last night. As a result, he said, the Government imposed a 9 p.m curfew

Authorities were searching for the assailants, who fled to the mountains, United Press Internationa] reported. Mr Ydigoras said the early curfew was a “precautionary measure in case this outbreak has any connexions with other pin es throughout the country ” About 50 men took part in the attack on the military outposts in the towns of Bananera and Morales in Izabal Department. “What is happening,” Mr Ydigoras said, “is nothing less than the Communist reaction to our success in the Foreign Ministers’ conference at Punta del Este where we gained a strong defeat of the puppet Fide! Castro Government.”

He said Communists were also attempting to provoke student strikes and disruptions of the nation's communications services He emphasised, however, that complete calm prevailed throughout the country. Guatemala has been under a modified state of siege since January 25. when the Government reported it had uncovered a plot by “Castro Communists” to seize power A midnight curfew had been in effect until last night’s decree advanced it by three hours