Algiers Fears New O.A.S. Violence

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29841, 6 June 1962, Page 13

Algiers Fears New O.A.S. Violence

(ti.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) ALGIERS, June 5. Algiers waited anxiously today for the first signs of a resumption of violence by the Secret Army Organisation (0.A.5.). But in the early hours—well after the deadline of one minute after midnight given by the O.A.S. in a clandestine broadcast last night—all remained calm in the city. There were no plastic charge explosions and no gunfire to indicate that the truce had ended.

Five persons were killed and five wounded in acts of violence throughout Algeria yesterday, the fifth day of comparative lull, military officials said early today. O.A.S. Broadcast

The first hint that the current “truce" in central Algiers. where killings have almost ceased, might end today came in a clandestine broadcast on Sunday night. The announcer then said that the O.A.S. had decided "to resume its freedom of action beginning on Tuesday. June 5. at one minute past midnight and to forbid Europeans all contact with the authorities at Rocher Noir (the administrative headquarters near Algiers) except at the highest level, if there have not been positive replies to the Europeans and the faithful Moslems.” The broadcast was followed by a second one last night in which the announcer said: “We will resume our freedom of action on Tuesday at one minute past midnight unless. . . .’’ There was then a long pause, after which the announcer added: “We are continuing our action for negotiations and a meeting of the two sides around the conference table.” In Paris, sources close to the Government said yesterday—before the second broadcast—that they had heard officially from Algiers that the “truce" had been extended for a further 24 hours and possibly longer. A whole series of contacts were under way between Europeans and Moslem nationalists in Algiers. Signs are increasing of a split in the O.A.S. between the faction led by civilians, such as the former Algiers student leader. Jean-Jacques Susini, and the “military" faction headed by the former general, Paul Gardy. A “pirate" O.A.S. broadcast on Sunday night in Oran, western Algeria, announced that the O.A.S. headquarters had moved from Algiers to western Algeria. The announcer dismissed the Algiers truce and reports of secret contacts as just “hot air.” Motion of Censure In Paris, a motion of censure on the Pompidou Government was to be proposed in the National Assembly today by Rightwing opponents of President de Gaulle’s policy of selfdetermination for Algeria. But observers think it has no chance of being passed. The sponsors include known O.A.S. sympathisers. They hope the motion will be a rallying point for the President’s critics among the professional politicians and inside the civil and military bureaucracies, secretly supported by a number of influential people in finance and industry.

Yesterday, an armed O.A.S. commando raided the office of the “Depeche d’Algerie"—the

only remaining Algiers daily newspaper —. and forced printers at gun-po>int to turn out a “pirate" edition. The edition contained two special pages showing a six column photograph of the big "Algerie Francaise” rally in front of the government general building in Algiers on May 13. 1958. which eventually led to General de Gaulle's return to power. There was a second halfpege photograph of the shooting in the Rue Disly. central Algiers, on March 26 this .year, when a mixed Moslem-European cordon of troops opened fire on an “Algerie Francaise” demonstration. killing more,than 50 Europeans. Algeria was faced with its last chance for “agreement between the revolutionary forces, each of which holds in its hands part of the destiny of Algeria,” the pirate edition said. The authorities immediately ordered the “Depeche" to suspend publication until further notice. The O.A.S. raid occurred early m the morning, long after the editorial staff had left. In Paris it was announced yesterday that the convicted O.A.S. second in commend.

the former general. Edmond Jouhsud. will be shot unless President de Gaulle intervenes France's highest Criminal Appeal Court rejected Jouhaud's appeal for a retrial.

The Court ruled that President de Gaulle's decision establishing the High Military Tribunal that tried Jouhaud excluded all possibility of appeal.

Preparations for Jouhaud'a execution were reported under way when hui lawyer* made their appeal. Reuter said.

The British United Press said President de Gaulle waa not expected to exercise mercy, but the execution was not expected until after the censure motion against the Government today. Refugees Arriving

European refugees from Algeria are still pouring into Marseilles at a rate which reflects little trust in the sudden lull in Algeria, "The Times” Marseille* correspondent reported. Nearly 7500 people have arrived by air in the last two days and another 2500 by sea.

More ships and aircraft are being put into service to relieve the constant pressure at Algiers and Oran.