Algerian Army Coup Feared

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29911, 27 August 1962, Page 9

Algerian Army Coup Feared

(N.Z.P A.-Reuter—Copyright)

ALGIERS, August 25.

Political strife threatened to boil over again in Algeria today as political leaders indefinitely postponed the September 2 elections, alleging guerrilla troops were attempting a coup against them.

In a proclamation to the Algerian people. the politbureau of the Na.tional Liberation Front (F.L.Ni said the council of Will ay a Four —the politico-military command which took control of the city last month —“wishes to impose its absolute authority in Algiers by force of arms.” The elections would be postponed "until con.iition< of read peace are assured in Algeria." it added.

The proclamation was followed immediately by the resignation of Mr Mohammed Boudiaf. who leads the opposition in the Politbureau to the Algerian ".-•.tn ngman," Mohammed ben Bella Mr Boudiaf claimed the postponement meant that the Politbureau—originally appointed as a transitional body—intended to stay in power for an indeterminate period.

The Politbureau proclamation also annaiMiced that the National Liberation Front of candidates, who would have been cut, matically returned at the elections, had been scrapped. The proclamation said: “A grave danger again threatens our country cn the eve of the elections. "A new coup makes the action of the Politbureau precarious. The council of

WJlaya Four washes to impose its absolute authority in Algiers by force of arms. The council of the Willaya did not hesitate to use violence m an attempt to isolate the Politbureau."

The proclamation charged that the port at Algiers had been “turned into the private property of a handful of officers.” The postponement of the elections was the chmex of a week-lcng trial of strength highlighted by WiUaya'a capture of Algiers Radio and the introduction of a press censorship io’ the capital in dcfiar.ee of the Politbureau.

Soblen Appeal Rejected

IN.Z.P.A.-Reuter —Copyright) LONDON. August 25. The High Court ha® rejected a plea by the fugitive spy, Dr. Robert Soblen. that the order to deport him was invalid.

Mr Justice Stephenson said he found nothing in the terms of the Aliens Order. 1953. or in logic or common sense to support the submission that Dr Soblen was not legally in Britain at all.