PERUVIAN MINERS

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 November 1930, Page 7

PERUVIAN MINERS

ANTI-FOREIGN OUTBREAK ANGLO-AMERICAN VICTIMS — [BY CABLE —PRESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.].LIMA (Peru), November 13. Foreigners in the mountainous interior around the mining areas of La Oroya are fleeing tonight before enraged miners, who rioted and killed two Americans, and one Australian, and wounded many others. Twelve of the miners were killed, and twentyfive were wounded in battles with the police, who have been reinforced by Republican Guards. The Cerro De Paso Company ordered its 350 employees, who mostly are British, to evacuate immediately. Labour difficulties caused riots in which the miners staged demonstrations. Thereupon the Laboui* leaders seized two of the British mine employees. The miners threatened to strike unless they were released. This was done and the situation was believed to be calmer; when news of the riots was received, and the evacuation was ordered.

The Confederation of Workers in Lima have called a strike in»’protest against the insolent attitude of - the British firm of Duncan Fox and Com pany in conflict with the labourers of the Union Textile Factory. The newspaper “Comercio,” in a leading article stated: “The general strike threat must be regarded as a manifestation of a revolutionary character, which chnnot be condoned in any manner.” MARTIAL LAW PROCLAIMED.

• (Received November 14, 1 p.m.) LIMA, November 13. , Military law was invoked here and in other cities of Peru to-day. Several Americans were fatally assaulted by striking ‘ miners in the neighbourhood of the Cerrode Pasco mines. The United States has large copper and gold mining interests in this district which is 15,000 feet above sea level.

British and American women and children are being moved out of the mining area. ' Evidences of revolt are visible at various points, in the interior. Foreigners reaching here are considerably worried over the fate of others left behind along the disorganised small railways, which are undependable at the best. The authorities assert that the troubles are largely due to Communistic influence among the native miners or Serranos, who are invariably susceptible to the influence among them of political labour agitators. The latter have recently been inciting trouble, due to the closure of the mines, following the drop of metal prices.

A general strike is threatened throughout Peru, and appears closer to-day, but the outcome of the whole trouble will largely depend on whether foreigners were among the number of women who succeeded in escaping from the excited natives. The latter, as descendants of the conquered Inca races, continue to harbour hatred against all foreigners. A WOMAN LEADER? NEW YORK, November 13. News from Lima states that refugees gave picturesque accounts of their experiences in the Cerro de Pasco region. It is now known that 145 foreigners are still within the danger zone. The miners are reported to have been led in their attacks by a “white Peruvian woman named Grey," who shouted for them to “kill the Yankees and drink theii- blood.” Refugees arrived at Lima on a train driven by a British miner named Knubsen, who assumed control and brought the train through with great difficulty, due to his unfamllarity with engine driving.