Athens Students And Police Clash

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30835, 21 August 1965, Page 15

Athens Students And Police Clash

(N.Z. Press Association— Copyright)

ATHENS, August 20. Police patrols fanned out through Athens today to prevent new violence in the five-week-old Greek political crisis.

Demo nstrations erupted into rioting last night when clubswinging police engaged in a pitted street battle with students who assaulted them with sticks and rocks.

Authorities said 14 policemen and 25 civilians were injured in the ficht'ng. none seriously. About 25 demonstrators were gaoled. The demonstrators were calling for the return to newer of the former Premier. Mr George Papandreou, who was forced to resign bv King Constantine last month in a dispute over the Defence Ministry. First For A Month

Although there have heen almost daily demonstrations since the crisis flared on July 15. last night’s was the first violence in a month. There were two other riots at the beginning of the crisis, both during the first week. Papandreou supporters called for another demonstration tonight in the same snot

where last night’s battle [erupted. The move deepened tension in Athens. The Premier-designate, Mr Elias Tsirimokos, and his first Cabinet members went to the Royal Palace to be sworn in by the King. The rest of the Cabinet will take the oath between now and early next week, when Parliament will open a debate on a motion of confidence in the new Government. There were fears last night’s violence might have

ibeen a prelude to a series of riots designed to bring down the former Socialist’s regime before it gets started. Contributing to the tension was Mr Papandreou’s announcement he will take his case "to the people” during a week-end tour beginning tomorrow morning. The 77-year-old former Premier said he will speak at 22 stops to prove that King Constantine should either reappoint him to office or call new General Elections.