CLIMAX IN VIOLENCE

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 34, 9 August 1933, Page 7

CLIMAX IN VIOLENCE

FIRING BY TROOPS

CASUALTIES IN HAVANA

HAVANA, August 7.

The army late on Monday took possession of the city," bringing to a climax several days of tenseness and violence as a result, of widespread strikes, reinforcing tho police, who previously had fired thousands of shots in an attempt to clear the streets. Cavalry paradsd streets in the centre of the city, firing indiscriminately. Unconfirmed reports state that at least fifteen persons have been killed. President Machado on Monday .niglit appealed to the nation to "defend the Republic's independence at all costs." At an earlier hour representatives of all political parties demanded that President Machado should quit office. One hundred and sixty people are reported to have been wounded in disorders arising out of a demonstration before the palace. Congress has given the President authority to suspend, the-constitutional guarantees. Tho stringent economic conditions of the past few years, due to the chaotic condition of the sugar industry, havo caused constant political turmoil recently. Since the advent of the Roosevelt Administration in the United States, the American envoy has sought to mediate in the trouble and appeared to be making some jheadway until the past fortnight, when the Oppositionists became restive and called a general Strike, culminating in violence. The army, which is well paid and is highly efficient, appeared to be the last chance President Machado had of retaining .lower, and he determined to use it. i During a conference with the American Ambassador, Mr. Wells, political leaders.today reported that a decision had been reached that the President must retire. , Crowds in tho street in front or toe Capitol took the report as an announcement that President Machado would retire, and immediately started a joyful parade to the National Palace. There they met troops, who immediately opened machine-gun fire., Eight] persons were .immediately killed and scores'were injured. The crowd dispersed, but re-formed in^ the evening in smaller groups, into which the troops fired. The utmost disorder followed, and communications were suspended. Rioting broke out everywhere. The American Government has power to use military intervention in order to preserve order, and it is believed it might be used if the situation grows worse, although only as a last resort. The United States has large financial interests in Cuba, which possibly will be endangered if the cou- ! ditions get out of hand.