MOST NEVER FALL INTO FOREIGN HANDS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 167, 17 July 1942, Page 6

MOST NEVER FALL INTO FOREIGN HANDS

FRENCH WARSHIPS

Vichy Order To Commander At Alexandria t ni*pr| tv-r- « A -million —( 'opyrtght. Kfr - I'll) l.n\|)ON. July lfi. The I'.nti.-h Ciivirnment in no ciivmu lance,, will allow the French warship, at Alexandria to pass into enemy hand-; or control. This determination was emphasised in London af 11 t ■ the Laval Government is.-ucd a statement, from Vichv dis-clo-iiik iU instructions to the i rench war 1 -lups on the action to be taken if the liritish Meet evacuated A lexandi i.a The Valiv statement said that \<111111;11 Gndcfrov was instructed never to allow the vessels to fall into I'oreien hands. I lis ships must in no circumstances follow the liritish licet, in their withdrawal. He must put to sea and. if possible, reach a French port. F;tiling this he mu-i. remain in Alexandria under the French flag even should the Germans occupy the port. The ships must defend themselves by all means in their power in the event of interference by the British. These uriie! s were Kivcn Admiral Godeiroy on lime 2(i, when Rommel's oris i• In si seriously muiaccd Alexandria. J',< ; Hi i idm declared that the I ni l ■' i S■a Ie s Noie to Vichy announced that the I nited States approves of Urilain's attitude regarding the French warships at Alexandria. The ladio added that Laval said the warships had not sailed to France according to the armistice stipulations because they were blockaded by Britain, Germany and Italy had always respected the armistice stipulations regarding the French ships anchored in French harbours, therefore the Government of France could not violate the armistice and accept the American proposals.

If Britain destroyed the warships with United States approval, the United States would be obliged to bear the responsibility "for all the serious consciences."

Another Vichy message says the Government has protested against the United States appointment of naval and military representatives with the Fighting French in London.

A Washington message says that in authoritative quarters it is reported that the United States will ignore the Vichy protest.