MYSTERIOUS SHOTS IN SANTO DOMINGO

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30770, 7 June 1965, Page 11

MYSTERIOUS SHOTS IN SANTO DOMINGO

(N.Z. Press Assn. —Copyright) SANTO DOMINGO. June 5. The rebel-held area of Santo Domingo was hit by high-explosive fire last night in an unexplained attack on the area.

Colonel Francisco Boavertura Cavalcani, a Brazilian U.N. adviser, said eight projectiles were fired across the Ozama river into rebel territory.

Two persons—a woman and a young girl—were killed and at least six wounded by the attack. It was not certain immediately exactly what sort of projectile was involved or by whom they were fired. First reports said they were bazooka rockets fired from the United States-held left bank of the river. Later reports indicated, however, that they may have been mortar or light artillery shells fired from positions beyond the American lines. It was the first heavy fire that had been reported along

the Ozaina river for some

days, although rifle fire has been heard nightly in that part of the city. Inter-American investigators continued their efforts today to arrange meetings with the leaders of the rival factions in the Dominican revolt. A three-man team sent to Santo Domingo on Thursday by the Organisation of American States was unable yesterday to get in touch wiih either of the principal Dominican leaders—Major General Antonion Imbert Barrera. head of the militarycivilian junta regime, or the rebel leader, Colonel Francisco. The negotiators—Mr Ellsworth Bunker, of the United States, Mr Umar Penna Marinho, of Brazil, and Mr Ramon de Clairmont Duenas —talked yesterday with the United States Ambassador, Mr Tapley Bennett and the O.A.S. secretary-general, Mr Jose Mora. Seeking Opinion Tomorrow they plan to tour the provinces to sound out opinion outside of Santo Domingo. Mr Sergio Nessi. a legal

adviser for the International Red Cross, told a press conference last night the junta was holding 2500 political prisoners, many of whom were confined in overcrowded, unsanitary gaols without medical attention. Mr Nessi said the rebels, who hold about two square miles of Santo Domingo, have imprisoned about 150 persons on political charges. Rebel gaols also were overcrowded, he said, but living conditions were somewhat better than in the junta gaols.