First Round Of Algerian Peace Talks Ends

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29747, 14 February 1962, Page 13

First Round Of Algerian Peace Talks Ends

(N.Z.P.A .-Reuter—Copyright) PARIS, February 13. Three leading members of the Algerian Insurgent “Provisional Government” who have been having secret peace talks with French Government representatives left Yverdon, western Switzerland —about 15 miles from the French frontier—last night for an unknown destination. Sources close to the French Government said the negotiators would report back to Paris and Tunis (the insurgent Government’s base) and then hold a second meeting at Ministerial level.

One main issue awaiting agreement is the question of guarantees for Europeans remaining in an independent Algeria. France is also vitally interested in leasing naval and air bases in Algeria and the Sahara. The present conference began on Sunday afternoon.

The French side was led by the Minister for Algeria (Mr Louis Joxe), assisted by the Minister of Transport (Mr Robert Buron) and the Secretary of State for the Sahara (Mr Jean de Broglie).

Officials in Paris warn against counting unhatched chickens concerning' the Algerian situation, but they admit that "things seem to be going well.”

Short strikes are expected to paralyse much of France this morning as workers mourn eight persons killed in a demonstration in Paris last Friday against the Secret Army Organisation (0.A.5.) The strikes will coincide with the burial of the eight victims. Police have authorised mourners to form a cortege behind the coffins as they are carried from the Paris Labour Exchange to a ceme-

tery nearly three miles away There will be no newspapers, no classes in school, and stoppages on the bus. Metro (underground) and train services.

Workers in the airport, gas and electricity industries as well as some factory and office employees are also expected to strike during the morning.

The main promoter of the strike is the Communist-led C.G.T. trade union federation, but some other unions are joining in. A similar but shorter one yesterday was held and later a “silent demonstration’' last night was organised by the Socialist Party in Paris and other cities. About 25.000 policemen enforced a Government ban on the demonstration, dispersing about 12.000 “tnourners” without a blow.

Last night’s crowd estimated by police at 16,500 even showed touches of humour.

One group of about 1000 demonstrators was led by Senator Pierre Metayer When it reached the cordon Mr Metayer stepped forward and asked a police captain

for the group to be allowed through.

“No. it is forbidden. You must take the road to the right,” the captain replied amid bursts of laughter from the Left-wing demonstrators. Mr Metayer said: “If I understand you correctly, the Place de la Republique is banned for Republicans.” They then dispersed quietly.

Plastic charges—the favourite weapon of the O.A.S. — continued to explode in the capital yesterday. There were six up to midnight, one of them in a Communist Party building. In Algeria. 17 persons were killed and 14 wounded in extremist and insurgent attacks yesterday. Nine of the dead and 10 of the wounded were Europeans.