Salt Lake Telegram | 1934-05-16 | Page 9 | Coup Puts Latvia in Fascist Ranks

COUP PUTS LAT LATVIA VIA IN FASCIST RANKS Political Military Unit Places Nation Under Martial La Law RIGA Latvia May 16 UP-A UP po po- military coup today added Latvia Lat Lat- via to the growing list of fascist states in Europe and put the country under martial law Jaw Without warning the entire country coun coun- try was put under sternest martial law in the early hours of today in order to forestall unrest pending enforcement en en- of constitutional reforms All activities of parliament and po- po parties were suspended The Riga garrison was and pUblic buildings including parliament par par- were occupIed Police and troops backed up by tanks patrolled the streets Soldiers armed with machine guns surrounded the headquarters of the socialist party removed the red flag and hoisted hoLsted the state flag Several socialist leaders were arr arrested ted includIng fri in- Dr Paula Pauls Kalnins speaker of par parliament lament The coup put into office at least fOr the time a dictatorshIp vl ent to wealthy landowners cooperating ing with fascist formations called