Labour of signatures was obtained. Speaking in to support the case of Hugo Blanco. the name of the Quebec Federation of La-
pour, Rancourt appealed to all affiliated
This is the result of the work of locals to circulate the petition and to a newly formed committee in this province get as many signatures as possible. which has already obtained support for the case among a large number of wellknown Quebec figures.
Rancourt's appeal pointed out that
it was because of his efforts to unionize
the Peruvian peasantry that Blanco faces
a possible death sentence. He stated: "The
The chairman of the "Committee for trade-union movement is in solidarity with Solidarity with the Victims of Repression Blanco and his comrades....We have always in Peru" is Jean-Louis Roux, one of the proclaimed our belief in the international most outstanding Quebec actors and direc- solidarity of workers. Now is the time to tors. He is director of Le Théatre du prove it by signing the petition in favour Nouveau Monde and well known across of Hugo Blanco." Canada for his role in the television series "The Plouffe Family." Among the responses was that of the
Association des Pompiers de Montréal [Fireman's Union], which returned the petition demanding the release of Blanco and his comrades with the notation: "4,000 firemen demand their freedon."
The committee has also obtained two opportunities to explain the case over the news media. Professor Andre Gunder Frank, well-known specialist on Latin America and a prominent supporter of the case, has spoken once on the radio and recorded another interview for a television broadcast.
The committee is planning to step up its activities, even as signatures continue to come in from across the province. Its address is 54 Boulevard Guinn, Longueuil, Quebec, Canada.
APPEAL SENT OUT BY QUEBEC FEDERATION OF LABOUR
[The following is the text of the appeal sent out to all affiliated locals and staff members by the Quebec Federation of Labour in behalf of Hugo Blanco. The letter is dated April 6.
[In case unions wish to get in touch with the QFL concerning the case, their address is 3333 Metropolitain Boul. E., Suite 500, Montreal 38, P.Q.]
*x* * x
Dear Brother and Sister,
As you will quickly see from read-~ ing the two short documents attached, the life of the unionist Hugo Blanco is in danger in Peru, because of his peasant trade-union activity.
The whole world is alerted. The trade-union movement is in solidarity with Blanco and his comrades. The QFL and
TEXT OF PETITION SENT BY QUEBEC
[The following is the text of the