PUERTO RICO

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22404, 28 April 1936, Page 11

PUERTO RICO

BILL FOR INDEPENDENCE MOVE BY UNITED STATES WASHINGTON, April 26 In a surprise move the Government introduced the Puerto Rican Independence Bill in the Senate. This closely follows the procedure which was used in freeing the Philippines. An election will be held on the island in 1937 if the measure is passed, after which, if the majority vote favours independence, a "transition Government" will be created. It is believed that the Government wishes to curb the radical terrorist campaign on the island, which came to a head with the assassination of Colonel Francis Riggs, Chief of Police at San Juan, Puerto llico, in February. It is thought that the islanders will vote to remain part of the United States, in which case it is hoped that the agitators for independence will be silenced.

The island of Puerto Rico, West Indies, was ceded to the United States by Spain under the treaty of December 10, 1898. Its constitution is determined by' the Organic Act of Congress (1917) known as the "Jones Act. It has a representative Government comprising a Senate and a House of Representatives, and the executive power resides in a Governor appointed by the President of the United States. The island is represented in Congress by a Resident Commissioner to the TJnited States.