Manhunt After Welsh Bomb

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31782, 12 September 1968, Page 15

Manhunt After Welsh Bomb

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter— Copyright) CARMATHEN (Wales), Sept. 11. Detectives from a Royal guard squad searched for fanatics in Wales yesterday after a blast that wiped the comic opera look from the pursuits of extremist Welsh nationals. The police quarry was a gang which planted a gelignite bomb in a Royal Air Force control tower. The bomb blew up and seriously Injured a warrant officer who tried to remove it In two years there have been eight other incidents of the same kind, all of them blamed on fanatical nationalists seeking to prise Wales apart from England. The previous explosions were, however, In deserted lodgings and caused no injuries. Heading the investigation was Chief Superintendent Jock Wilson, head of a Scotland Yard squad assigned to ensure security for next year’s installation of Queen Elizabeth’s eldest son, Prince Charles, as Prince of Wales. Superintendent Wilson was flown overnight from London to Wales. The proposed installation ceremony due to be held in Caernarvon Castle, has irked Welsh nationalists. They denounce it as a piece of English pomp for which Welshmen will foot the bill.

Police raided the homes of known members of the Free

Wales Army, the most militant group espousing Welsh nationalism. Its men wear Castro-type uniforms and train with weapons which they say were passed on by Irish extremists.

Their parades and proclamations have not up to now been viewed seriously. The orthodox Welsh nationalist movement, which in recent years has won substantial success in the ordinary political field, disowns the “army.” This morning, the orthodox nationalists hastened to disclaim any sympathy for the bomb gang. “Our party does not condone violence of this kind,” a spokesman said.

The Government Minister in charge of Welsh affairs, Mr George Thomas, said the overwhelming majority of Welsh people would condemn the saboteurs.