Cable Briefs (Press, 13 February 1978)

On 13 February 1978, a significant protest took place in central London, where around 4,000 demonstrators gathered to oppose criticism directed at the gay newspaper "Gay News." This march was organised by more than 100 homosexual organisations and culminated in Trafalgar Square. During the event, the editor of "Gay News," Dennis Lemon, delivered a speech in which he addressed the growing harassment faced by the gay community over the past year, highlighting concerns about civil rights and societal acceptance. In a separate news item, Thai government forces engaged in a skirmish involving aerial support against a coalition of Cambodian troops and Thai insurgents at the tense border between Thailand and Cambodia. The conflict took place in Ubon Ratchathani province, approximately 510 kilometres north-east of Bangkok. Reports indicated that two Thai soldiers lost their lives, while estimated communist casualties reached up to 40, predominantly due to Thai air strikes. Meanwhile, in West Berlin, a tragic incident unfolded involving two followers of the Indian sect Ananda Marga. On Thursday, the pair committed suicide by self-immolation in front of the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. They distributed leaflets prior to their act, claiming their deaths were motivated by love for the poor and suffering. The leaflets also called for the release of Prabhat Ranjan Sarka, the sect's Indian leader, who is serving a life sentence for the murder of six defectors from the sect. Notably, Ananda Marga has been linked to various violent incidents, including the stabbing of an Indian military attaché in Australia and assaults on Indian property in Britain. Additionally, reports emerged from Paris regarding the ongoing kidnapping case of Baron Edouard Jean Empain, head of a major industrial empire. The kidnappers have been demanding a ransom that not only includes monetary compensation but also a percentage of the assets belonging to the Empain-Schneider group, which comprises 150 companies. As per the Parisian daily "France-Soir," the kidnappers believe that they can secure funds quicker through a levy on these companies than through the Empain family. The baron was abducted outside his home in Paris 18 days prior to the report.

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