Police Intensify Search For O.A.S. Killers

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29851, 18 June 1962, Page 13

Police Intensify Search For O.A.S. Killers

LONS-LE-SAUNIER (France), June 16. At least 21 members of the Secret Army Organisation (0.A.5.). armed with bazookas, rifles and explosives, are reported to be under orders to kill President de Gaulle before July 1. That is the date Algerian Moslems will vote in a referendum on the question of self-det erm ination President de Gaulle, who is on a speaking tour of eastern France, is said to have shrugged off the police warning and told his aides: “Luck is on my side" Smiling, waving, mixing with cheering crowds and shaking scores of hands at every stop, he was like a

(A/.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright) “parson at a parish picnic." the Associated Press reported But in spite of the apparent unconcern of the President himself, nervous security men have tightened precautions to guard against assassination. On Thursday night police announced they had uncovered a plot by terrorist commandos to kill him during the tour. More than 30 persons were arrested. They were reported to have planned to kill him by planting a car filled with explosives at a railway crossing which he would pass, or by sending explosive - carrying dogs into the crowds surrounding him. Security precautions have been tightened everywhere, the British United Press said. About 6000 gendarmes and

Republic Security guards were brought in to guard the entire route along which President de Gaulle's party was to pass. In many places the planned route was switched at the last moment Gendarmes in battle-dress and carrying rifles could be seen on guard in woods and fields along the route President d? Gaulle’s regular bodyguards were reinforced and surrounded him everywhere he went. At each stop they scanned roofs and windows for possible gunmen.

President de Gaulle, who has escaped at least three plots against his life since last September, was reported to have turned a deaf ear to the advice of his ministers and aides that he should abandon the rest of the tour.