Evening star., 1948-04-25
sy the A,soc;o,ed Press

Many Latin American countries,
forewarned by the riotous events at
Bogota, are taking extensive security
precautions to prevent repetition
on May Day of the disorders which
swept the Colombian capital two
weeks ago.
Police and troops have been
ordered to watch for signs Of Com
munist outbreaks, dispatches from
cities south of the Rio Grande said
yesterday. Reinforced guards will
be posted around public utilities,
communications centers and govern
ment buildings.
The Bogota uprising, which the
Communists are accused Of exploit
ing for their own ends, has caused
concern in many countries In South
and Central America.
Authorities in Brazil, Chile and
Paraguay have reported Communist
plots for uprisings May l. Many
Communists have been arrested in
those nations and the roundups are
continuing.
May Day is a legal holiday in
number of Latin American coun-
tries. Where such is the case the
authorities generally have approved
official celebrations by anti-Com-
munist workers organizations.
Roundup of Situation. .
Dispatches gave this picture OF
the situation in some of the key
countries:
Colombia-For perhaps the first
May Day in modern Colombian his
tory steel helmeted troops with fixed
bayonets will be posted in Bogota
and other major cities. The national
police force has ceased to exist
since the outbreak of April 8 and
the army maintains order under
martial law. May Day demonstra-
tions and parades have been for
hidden this year.
Chile-Troops have been ordered
to stop any Communist attempts to
disturb May Day celebrations. Pres
ident Gabriel Gonzalez Videla is
scheduled to address mass meeting
of non Communist labor groups in
front of the presidential palace.
Brazil-Police, who claim to have
smashed a Communist plot for
second Bogota" in Rio de Janeiro,
have been ordered to prevent May
Day celebrations. Greater precau-
tions are being taken this year than
last when the observances also were
banned. Army troops will help police
guard vital areas. Special police
numbering over 1000 will be on the
alert from noon April 80 to noon
May 2.
Brazilian authorities have atti-
buted recent disasters, including an
explosion at an army arsenal costing
more than score of lives, to Com
munists. President Eurico Gaspar
Dutra has asked Congress for spe-
cial powers to combat sabotage by
Communists. The Communist party
has been outlawed in Brazil.
Paraguay Watching Reds.
Paraguay-The Republican Work
ers'' Organization, the country's chief
labor union, will hold an anti-Com-
munist demonstration. The union
was formed by supporters of Presi-
dent Higinio Morinigo.
A special watch against Com
munists is being established by the
police The government has an
nounced the frustra tton~of the thfrd
Communist plot inSthree weeks. The
headquarters of the latest movement !
was in the northern city of Concep-
ton, seat of the rebel regime during
last years civil war.
Uruguay-May Day will be cele-
brated by the country's Communist
dominated labor union and the
Socialist Party. 1t was indicated
unoficially that all army leaves will
be- cancelled and reinforced police |
guards will be placed around public
utilities. There will be special army
patrols in the streets of Montevideo.
Authorities said the precautions
were taken in fear of some sort of
subversive outbreak.
Argentina-No special arrange
ments have been made to control
possible Communist demonstrations.
1t appears likely the 10000 Com
munists in Buenos Aires will be
swallowed up in the demonstration
of the 100000 or more workers who
support President Juan D. Peron.
Officially Argentina is not against
Communism any more than she is
against capitalism since the country
holds what Peron described as a
third position" between the two
Mexico-Police and military units