CHAOS IN PORTUGAL

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 32, 8 February 1927, Page 9

CHAOS IN PORTUGAL

OPORTO BOMBARDED

REBELS HOLD SQUARE

(United Press Association.—Copyright.) (Sydney Sun Cable.)

LONDON, 7th February. The Lisbon correspondent of the "Daily News ".says that 5000 loyalist troops, occupying strategic points around Oporto, opened fire- on the rebels with artillery and maehiae-guns.

They concentrated their fire on the Place de Barthala, the- city's great open square, which .the rebels had strongly fortified.

Many houses, it is weported. have been destroyed. The rebel positions ware also attacked with hand grenades. The crack of rifles and machine-guns was heard throughout the night. The Minister of Commerce was captured by the rebels, but he escaped and joined the loyalists. A strike on the State railways has increased the difficulties.

The insurgents have appointed a Government, headed by a military surgeon Dr. Moraes.

The "Daily Mail's" Lisbon corres T pondent says that British merchants are requesting the British Ambassador to secure the presence of a British warship to protect thedr interests in Oporto.

It is stated that thus, far only slight damage has been done.