BOLIVIAN MINERS PROCLAIM "FREE TERRITORY"
According to a June 20 Agence France-Presse dispatch from La Paz, Bolivia's tin miners are becoming increasingly restive.
At Oruro and Huanuni, the miners have issued a proclamation stating that the region from now on is "free territory."
As yet the Barrientos regime has given no indication that it has noticed the proclamation; but the technicians in the mines have decided to stop work until they receive "adequate guarantees" as to their personal safety.
While their absence has slowed down production, the mines are continuing to operate under the management of the miners themselves.
Minister of Interior Antonio Arguedas attributes the unrest among the miners to their union and to "extremists." He added that if the movement disturbs the public order and helps the guerrillas, the leaders will be arrested.
In an editorial note, Le Monde held June 21 that the action of the miners constitutes a grave challenge to the Barrientos regime, coming at the same time as the opening of a guerrilla front. Barrientos' personal position is becoming more and more difficult, Le Monde adds, and there are rumors that a section of the army is preparing to move against hin.