FIERCE RIOT IN PARIS.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 18 March 1937, Page 5

FIERCE RIOT IN PARIS.

FASCISTS AND POPULAR FBONTERS CLASH. SEVERAL KILLED AND 200 INJURED. (By Telegraph-Press Assn.-Copyright) Received Wednesday, 7 p.m. PARIS, March 17. Two were killed and 200 injured, many seriously, in fierce rioting, lasting 150 minutes, between Fascists and supporters oi the Popular Front in the industrial quarter of Clichy, a suburb of Paris. Stones, bottles, pieces of iron and other missiles were freely used, and there was also considerable firing, mostly from the windows of houses. The injured include 50 police; also the Mayor of Clichy and M. Blum's secretary (M. Blumel). The latter received revolver bullets in the armpit and right leg. Mobile Guards were called out and charged the rioters. A later message states that two of the injured have died.

The clash occurred when the French Social Party (formerly the Croix de Feu) endeavoured to hold a meeting in the Clichy Town Hall. Supporters of the Popular Front held a counterdemonstration, and the opposing factions quickly came to blows, despite preventive efforts made by the Mayor, MM. Blum and Blumel hurried to the scene, M. Blum himself urging the Popular Front followers to disband, bu? the rioting became more violent. One of the bullets hit M. Blumel, narrowly missing M. Blum.

The Mobile Guards eventually restored order, but the area is still being patrolled. Many arrests were made.

FRENCH CABINET MEETS. RESIGNATION REPORTS DENIED. (Eeceived This Day, 10.50 a.m.) PARIS, March 17. As a sequal to the Clichy riots a meeting of Cabinet was called, and reports that it would resign .are denied. It is now announced that 140 police were wounded in the riots. The Government intends to take drastic action and will probably ban all meetimgs that are likely to disturb the public peace. , WORKERS STRIKE. (Received This Day, 10.50 a.m.) • PARIS, March 17.Workers at the International Exhibition struck, following the riots.