FRENCH RAILWAY STRIKE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVII, Issue 17460, 3 May 1920, Page 5

FRENCH RAILWAY STRIKE.

NATIONALISATION DEMANDED CASUALTIES IN PARIS , RIOT. . Australian and N.Z. Cable Association, ffiecc. 9-30 p_.} PARIS. April 30. Four civilians were killed and twelve | wended in a riot in the Place de la Re-1 pubiique, arising out of the railwaymen's strike. The General Confederation of Labour supports the French railwaymen's decision to strike for the nationalisation of the transport service* and is considering steps to assist the railwayraen. It appeals for solidarity and discipline on the part of a'l workers. French newspaper* almost unanimously condemn the strike. They consider it is doomed to failure. The Minister for Public Works is optimistic and asserts that the movement wi collapse The Government has assured all essential services. It is reported that three secretaries of the Railwaymen s Federation have been arrested. There are indications of divisions within the federation. Several unions have separated and formed new organisations. Thousands of railwaymen are resigning from the unions as a protest against the extremists. French dockers and seamen have decided to strike in sympathy with the railwavmen. The general impression is that the strike will be a failure unless the Confederation of Labour support it by declaring a.general strike, when the situation will be serious. Many people have left Pans fearing riots.