Unrest Spreads In Mexico City

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31772, 31 August 1968, Page 13

Unrest Spreads In Mexico City

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright)

MEXICO CITY, August 30.

Demonstrating students and troops clashed in Mexico City again last night after workers at the State Petroleum Company’s oil refinery went on an indefinite strike in sympathy with the students and caused panic buying of petrol and food.

As the workers walked out of the refinery the troops moved in and clashed with angry students of the National University and the Polytechnic Institute who have themselves been on strike-for three weeks.

They are demanding the disbandment of the riot police corps and the dismissal of city police chiefs. Student leaders claimed at a press conference last night that five classmates were killed when tanks and armoured cars dispersed a student rally the night before. The oil refinery strike

caused motorists to form three-hour queues at filling stations in the fear that the pumps would run dry and leave them stranded at the week-end.

Housewives rapidly emptied supermarkets and grocery shops of milk, bread and other vital foodstuffs. Observers say that unless the armed forces can keep the refinery running, traffic, industry and business activity in the capital is likely to grind to a halt. Mexico City is due to be host to the Olympic Games in six weeks.