RELIGIOUS FEVER IN BELGRADE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20786, 22 July 1937, Page 7

RELIGIOUS FEVER IN BELGRADE

GERMS OF CIVIL WAR BISHOP KILLED IN DISTURBANCES GOVERNMENT’S DEFIANCE OF PROTESTS United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received July 21,fl 5.5 p.m.) BELGRADE, July 20 Supporters of the Orthodox Church demonstrated in Kalimegran Park and threw stones and bricks at the police guarding the Cathedral. The police fired Into the air and cleared the Park after a bayonet charge in which several persons were wounded. The authorities declared a state of alarm, and forbade street gatherings. The police commissioner. M. Dazarevitsch, was removed as being responsible for the disturbances. Armed comitadjls later occupied the Cathedral and hoisted to the spire the torn banner carried at the head of yesterday's procession. Bishop Dositez, of the Orthodox Church, appealed to the Archbishop of Canterbury for sacerdotal support. The Orthodox Synod telegraphed to the Regent, Prince Paul, calling upon him to defend the Church.

"KILLED OUR BISHOP” INTENSE FEELINGS AROUSED United Press Association—Bv Electric Telegrnrh BELGRADE, July 20. Bishop Shabat was sent to hospital with concussion and a fractured skull. A motor car full of priests careered through the streets shouting: “They’ve killed our bishop." The police pursued the priests, but on being outdistanced, contented themselves with dispersing the crowds round the cathedral. The Skupshtina resumed the discussion on the Concordat The Government declined to allow mob action to influence. The Orthodoxists regard the Concordat as virtually ratified, and ordered black flags to be flown.