CRISIS IN SPAIN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20965, 3 March 1930, Page 7

CRISIS IN SPAIN

RIOTING IN MADRID. DISTURBANCES THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY. GENERAL STRIKE AT VALENCIA. (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) MADRID, March 1. (Received March 2, at 5.5 p.m.) King Alfonso’s position, which has been occupying the limelight since General De Rivera fell, is more confused following Senor Guerra’s diatribe, although the King is still in a fairly strong position, and can count on a large part of the army and the church, which is a great power in Spain, while the women especially support him. The unemployed, who demonstrated in Madrid, invited the medical students to join in. The students, although they at first trooped through the streets carrying a red flag and shouting “ Down with the King. . Long live the republic,” which the unemployed echoed, they later refused to join the unemployed procession as the unemployed refused to participate when the students were in trouble.

Arguments led'to rioting, the police charging repeatedly. Disturbances are occurring throughout Spain, including Barcelona, where a number of students were arrested.

A general strike has been declared at Valencia. ■

General Berenguer, when questioned by journalists, minimised 'Senor Guerra’s remarks, declaring that he had no. contact with practical politics. .General Berenguer added that the subsequent rioting proved the necessity for not permitting' individuals to air their views and also the need for sternness. ELECTIONS POSTPONED. PACIFICATION WORK MUST GO ON. MADRID, March 1. (Received March 2, at 11 p.m.) As a result of Senor Guerra’s speech and the disorder associated with it, the Government has decided that elections are at present inopportune An official statement declares that the Government docs not expect the active collaboration of all public men, , but it cannot allow the work of pacification to be hindered.