Latin America: Protest

The people of Cali (pop. 125,000) had long complained about the rates and service of the Compania Colombiana de Electricidad, subsidiary of Electric Bond and Share. Last week they began a general strike which spread until the whole city was tied up. Troops were called out, but there was no disorder, no sign of anti-U.S. sentiment. After two days the municipal authorities capitulated, agreed to expropriate the local company, pay for it with a special bond issue.

Electric Bond and Share has similarly vulnerable plants in Barranquilla, Palmira, Buga, Honda.