Noisy Spectators For Jouhaud Trial

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29798, 14 April 1962, Page 13

Noisy Spectators For Jouhaud Trial

(N-Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) PARIS, April 13. Spectators at the trial in Paris yesterday of the second in command of the Secret Army Organisation (0.A.5.), the former general, Edmond Jouhaud, gasped, shouted, applauded, and protested in turn as witnesses gave evidence.

Dr. Andre Laborde, aged 53. president of Oran Medical Association and one of about 18 defence witnesses being heard, thumped the stand and cried: “The French people of Algeria today lie in terror of the French Army. “In the way we are treated today, nothing is respected. Crooks steal money and loot valuables. I am ashamed to say such things, but it is true.” Mr Charles Raphael the Prosecutor-General, said to the doctor: “I did not interrupt you when you were dragging the honour of the F rench Army in the dirt, but what do you think of the plastic bombs and murders by the O.A.S ? What do you think of the acts inspired by Jouhaud?”

Shouts went up from the public seats when the Witness replied: "I do not believe the worst acts are committed by the OA.S.” Former Air Chief

Jouhaud. aged 57. is a former Chief of Staff of the French Air Force.

He made no attempt in a statement on the opening day of the trial on Wednesday to deny his part in the 1951 generals’ putsch in Algeria, nor his activities as leader of the O.A.S in the Oran region of western Algeria. He faces possible death on both The Court President yesterday read out a letter from the head of the 0.A.5.. the former general. Raoul Salan. saying that Jouhaud had supp ted the organisation out of "burning patriotism.” The letter described Jouhaud as the man who “more tn r anyone else under-

stands the soul of his Algeria, where he was born.”

Mr Leon Delbecque. Deputy for the Lille region, told the Court: “For me, Algeria is a person who has been abandoned—an orphan. It is a crime to have abandoned this country." Mr Pierre Laffont. editor of the “Echo d’Oran.” also said that after the printers of his newspaper had been held up by O.A.S. commandos twice and forced to print private O A.S. editions, he had asked the authorities for protection. "Eight riot police were assigned to protect the building. The OA.S. came back, took their arms, and stripped off their clothes with the greatest of ease.” he said.

When Mr Laffont was asked by the prosecutor if he approved of O.A.S. methods, he replied: "In Oran. there is complete anarchy, about which the Government does nothing. "It is easy to blame the O.A.S. for everything, but the problem is more complicated than that. There are all sorts of armed persons roaming the streets.” Use of Terrorism

For the prosecution. General Arthus, the gendarmerie commander in the Oran region for the last four month, said the O A.S. had used indiscriminate terrorism to further its aims. General Arthus said that about two-thirds of the European population in Oran were actively in favour of the O.A.S. and “the remaining one-third follow its orders by terror." Gendarmes had become enemy number one of the European population. “They

are shot at in the streets and are liable to be killed merely for doing their duty.” he said.

Defence witnesses all spoke of Jouhaud's distinguished past as an officer and his bravery in the wartime resistance, and were unanimous in saying he disapproved of indiscriminate attacks on Moslems. The trial is continuing.