Friday, August 1, 1930

Moscow:  Communists around the world, especially in Europe, observe “Anti-War Day” on the 16^th anniversary of Russia’s mobilization for the World War.  The observations are mostly quiet.  Here, the occasion is commemorated with the presentation of 52 warplanes to the Soviet Volunteer Society for Aerial and Chemical Defense – “to frustrate the war aims of imperialistic countries.”  Parades are held in Russia’s larger cities, with marchers wearing gas masks.

Elsewhere:

In Paris, 2,000 gendarmes and Republican Guards are posted at strategic points throughout the city, Prime Minister Andre Tardieu bans parades for the day, and police make 200 preventive arrests of communist leaders before the day arrives, including Florimond Bonte, Managing Editor of the Humanite communist newspaper.

 

In Berlin, an estimated 60,000 communists gather at the Lustgarten, but the day passes mostly without incident.

In New York there is violence, as an orderly gathering of 5,000 communists in Union Square ends in a brief brawl with police.  One policeman is hit by a brick and beaten with a lead pipe.  Two are arrested.

 

Geneva:  Reports are coming in from the Zermatt region of Switzerland that over the past month, 300-400 anti-fascists, both men and women, have fled there seeking refuge from persecution at the hands of the fascist government of Italy.