FRENCH GENERAL DEFIES VICHY ORDER.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 222, 18 September 1940, Page 8

FRENCH GENERAL DEFIES VICHY ORDER.

JOINS DE GAULLE. Simmering Unrest Grows In, Colonies. United Press Association.—Copyright. (Reed. 2 p.m.) LONDON, Sept. 17. "The Times" says that General Catroux, former Governor-General of Indo-China, who conferred with military authorities after his arrival in London, has refused to obey the orders of the Vichy Government. He is determined to fight in co-operation with the Allies. His help and advice should be of the greatest value. He has spent almost his entire military career in the French colonies. i

Reports are reaching Algeciras, Ceuta and Tangiers of many' riots in Casablanca and elsewhere as the result of clashes between the Vichy Government supporter and supporters of General de Gaulle. Many arrests have been made. Spanish troops are concentrating on the French-Moroccan frontier as a precaution. Situation in Syria. Reports from Syria, says the Ankara correspondent of "The Times," confirm the news that friction has developed between the civilian and military authorities, and the Italian Disarmament Commission. The period of Anglophobia after the British action against the French fleet has passed and sentiment, except among the French reservists who merely want to return home, is increasingly in favour of General de Gaulle. This tendency has been assisted by the news, that the position of the Vichy Government is becoming shaky because of differences with the German authorities. The Italian commission is demanding i the immobilisation of French aeroplanes and a guarantee that French troops will not enter British service. It is also seeking a share of political control in Syria. The Turks believe that the situation in Syria will work out in favour of Britain, whether the commission is successful or not. One thing is certain: The neighbouring States agree that neither the Italians nor the Germans must be permitted to gain a footing in Syria.