REVOLT IN BRAZIL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23499, 13 May 1938, Page 9

REVOLT IN BRAZIL

A FASCIST OUTBREAK QUICKLY QUELLED BY TROOPS ATTEMPT TO SEIZE PRESIDENT FIERCE FIGHTING IN STREETS (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—'Copyright) RIO DE JANEIRO, May 11. The Government forces quelled a Fascist revolt after three hours’ fierce fighting in the streets, arresting scores. An attempt, to seize the President, Dr Vargas, was thwarted when he stood at the window, firing his revolver at the rebels until military aid was rush to him. Green-shirted members of the outlawed Integralists’ Party gathered quietly early in the morning >at the Ministry of Marine, the President’s Palace, and the dockyards. The Government was warned a moment before the outbreak, and was quickly prepared for a ‘ major emergency.

A party of the palace guard joined in the revolt, killing the commander and attempting to capture the palace, but Dr Vargas, who was alone with his family, darted from window to window holding the rebels at bay until he was joined by a loyal officer and his son. Thereafter military police were sent to the scene in trucks, armed with machine guns, quickly subduing the rebels, 30 of whom were arrested at the palace. The main force of the rebels barricaded themselves in the Ministry of Marine, but were dislodged after repeated bayonet charges. The Naval Ministry was twice shelled and badly damaged. Several rebels were wounded, but none was .killed.

Prince Don Pedro Braganza, second son of the pretender to the throne, was wounded in' the leg at the palace. It is claimed that he was attempting to aid Dr Vargas, but the police have detained him pending an investigation. The leaders of the revolt who were imprisoned included Admiral Raul Tavares. A policeman was critically wounded by a machine gun bullet, and others, it is feared, were wounded. REBEL LEADERS ARRESTED COMPLETE FAILURE OF REVOLT MONTREAL, May 12. (Received May 12, at 5.5 p.m.) The Brazilian Government announces complete suppression of the rebellion. Many of the chief conspirators have been arrested, including General Klinger, who led the 1932 outbreak. The so-called brains of the revolt, Pliniosalgado, leader of the Integralists, however, is still being sought. Senhora Desilva, wife of the commander of an important Government garrison, was among the wounded by the rebel attack. The entire palace guard at the President’s palace revolted arid it is considered a miracle that Dr Vargas was able to escape death or capture. It is indicated that Senhora Vargas and her two daughters helped to keep off the attacks with revolvers until the arrival of relief. Many loyal military leaders and members of the Government, rallying, to the palace with mixed groups of soldiers and police, were dressed in pyjamas. Observers declare that the coup, though well planned, failed because it was weakly carried out. MOVEMENT NOT WIDESPREAD. THE INTERIOR QUIET RIO DE JANEIRO, May 12. (Received May 13, at 0.5 a.m.) Prince Braganza, who is mortally wounded, is charged with membership of the Integralistas. Plinio Salgado, leader of the Integralistas, has been arrested. The President, Dr Vargas, in a statement, said it had not yet been determined whether foreign elements were connected with the revolt. It is believed that the movement was limited exclusively to Rio tie Janeiro. The interior of the country is orderly. ESTIMATE OF DEATHS RIO DE JANEIRO. May 11. It is now estimated that from 20 to 50 people are dead as a result of the revolt, of whom only five are loyalists.