SCENES IN PARIS CAFE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17139, 19 April 1919, Page 2 (Supplement)

SCENES IN PARIS CAFE.

AMERICAN'S INDISCRETION.

REVOLVERS AND KNIVES DRAWN.

The temporary placing out of bounds for members of the American Expeditionary Force of one of the most famous and expensive of Paris cafes is the topic of general conversation in the French capital. American free-and-easinese has aspects which grate, to eay the least, on the finer susceptibilities of the French, says a London paper, and the abandonment, which perhaps should not be regarded as other than the effect of high spirits during a period of tedium and relief after the strain of war, has led to several incidents. Various reports are current concerning what look place at the cafe, but the facts appeal to be these Several American officers a little over-exhilarated, were in the place together. Their notice fell on a French party, which included a lady of considerable charm. One of the Americans, for a wager, undertook to salute the lady, and he did so. The lady was seriously affronted and one of (he French officers in her company struck the American a resounding blow on the cheek. The American retorted by drawing a revolver and firing at the Frenchman.

Immediately the cafe was in an uproar. Other revolvers were drawn, and knives were also brandished.

Every endeavour has been made to hush up the affair, and no details have appeared in the Paris newspapers.