Political Disturbance in Colombia Continues

Grey River Argus, 14 November 1949, Page 5

Political Disturbance in Colombia Continues

(Rec. 5,30). BOGOTA, Nov. 12. Military Courts took over much of Colombia’s judicial authority yesterday under a state of siege.. This was declared by President Mariano Perez, on Wednesday, at the height of the campaign Cor the Presidential election, which is scheduled for November 27. The Presidential decree gave the Military Courts broad powers to investigate the cases of subversive activity against the state of siege, and to try offences against public security. President Perez is a Conservative. The Liberal majority in the Colombian Congress held a secret meeting yesterday, after which it was announced that the President’s order dissolving the legislature would be delied. This statement said: “The Congress will continue in exercise of its Parliamentary functions, and will assume all powers given it by the constituiton. It can be stopped only by. force”. The press has been placed under strict censorship. A report from Caracas, in Venezuela, said that Colombia has closed her border with Venezuela. This border is a favourite escape route for political refugees from Colombia.