FURTHER DEMAND.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 228, 25 September 1940, Page 7

FURTHER DEMAND.

REPORT FROM VICHY. Second British Ultimatum Rejected? United Press Association. —Copyright. (Reed, noon.) LONDON, Sept. 24. French sources in Vichy allege that a British attempt to land at Rufisque, 25 miles from Dakar, was repulsed. A British admiral is alleged to have issued an ultimatum for the second time demanding the right to land troops, which was refused. The British attempted to land 2000 troops and.suffered heavily. French batteries claimed that they drove off the warships and that French resistance was intact. The Minister of the Navy, Admiral Darlan, in an Order of the Day to the French Navy, states: "Land, sea and air forces in Africa have repulsed landing attempts and have inflicted losses on aggressor warships and launched reprisals. One British cruiser is reported to be badly holed off Dakar." Marshal Petein, in a message to M. Boisson, Governor-General of French West Africa, stated. "France is following with emotion and confidence your resistance against the mercenary treason of British aggression." The British shipe are reported to have shelled the European quarter, where. there are 3000 inhabitants, as well as the native mud-hut city behind the double breakwater, and also the radio station, the Governor-General's house, the aerodrome at Wakam, 10 miles northeast of Dakar, at which a powerful air force is concentrated, and also an important railway junction outside the city. Attack From South. The British ships attacked from the south, coming from Bathurst. They left Gibraltar 10 days ago when it* was learned that six French warships were going to Dakar. The British vessels remained at Bathurst, but intervened for the first time several days ago, when three of the French warships attempted to go to Libreville from Dakar. At least 60 persons have so far been killed and 60 injured in the bombardment of Dakar. It is reported that six French warships wifch recently arrived ! from Toulon, and also the batik-hip ! Richelieu are returning the British fire. Reports reaching Vichy are scanty beI cause the Dakar radio station lies* been damaged. The Foreign Minister. M. Baudouin, read a statement to the Press as follows: "Those Frenchmen who hesitate to consider General de Gaulle a traitor have had their eyes opened. Britain's action is not a casus belli, and France will not declare war against England. Although wounded, she fe still capable of defending herself and replying blow for blow." "