MADRID STRIKERS QUIET

Taranaki Daily News, 18 November 1930, Page 7

MADRID STRIKERS QUIET

DULLEST SUNDAY KNOWN GENERAL STRIKE COMPLETE POLICE EXERCISING TACT BLAME LAID ON THE REDS By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright. Rec. 5.5 p.m. Madrid, Nov. 16. • Madrid is experiencing the dullest 'Sunday in its existence and the most complete general strike thus far known. The outstanding impression is that the city has “gone dry”; all the cafes, bars and restaurants have been closed, the employees joining the 300,000 strikers. Cinemas and theatres are also shut, resulting in thousands parading the Streets.

The police tactfully contrived to prevent the formation of crowds, obviously acting under orders to use the utmost self-restraint and avoid further provocation of the workers, whom the leaders also warned not to resort to violence. Only a few minor clashes occurred and there were no casualties.

Only two newspapers employing nonunionists published. All the food shops ■have closed and there arc huge queues outside the bakeries. Military lorries brought in bread from all parts of the country. The citizens are patiently suf-, ■fering the inconveniences, including the lack of public vehicles, blit maintenance of public services and street cleaning has been guaranteed by the strikers. General D. Berenguer, the Prime Minister, declares the Communists inspired the strike. Forty Reds, mostly youths, and two midinettes have been arrested. Strikers say the demonstration is directed against General Mola, the police chief, who had long service in Morocco and who they allege treated the workers as if they were Riffs.