Europeans Rush To Leave Algeria

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29829, 23 May 1962, Page 8

Europeans Rush To Leave Algeria

(N.Z.P. A.-Reuter—Copyright) ALGIERS, May 22. A mass exodus of Europeans from Algeria has started, as the July self-determ-ination referendum draws near. People swarmed the airport and docks yesterday in spite of threats and attack® by the Secret Army Organisation (OAS.) which has told people to stay put. Official sources said about 7000 Europeans had left Algiers alone by airerft and ship in the last seven days, compared with about 2000 a week for the whole country previously. Extra flights have been ordered to fly Europeans out. Waiting people slept outdoors or in their cars, and heated meal® on camping stoves. Violence Continues Meanwhile, unabated violence continues in Algiers and its suburbs. European terrorists fired mortar bombs into a crowded street in the Moslem New Town quarter of Oran on Sunday. Officials said at least 10 persons died and 100 were wounded, but unofficial sources put the toll much higher. Eye-witnesses said the bombs caused havoc in the street packed with Sunday afternoon strollers and shoppers. About 8000 19-year-old youths in Algiers and Oran are expected to be in France

by June 1 to join the French Army, after Government orders to reduce the call-up age from 20 to 19 to keep the youths away from the OA.S.