VICHY-NAZI PLANS AT DAKAR

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 27, 27 October 1942, Page 5

VICHY-NAZI PLANS AT DAKAR

Darlan Inspects Fleet (Received October 26, 10.30 p.m.) LONDON, October 25. “A largo part' of the French crack troops which are now stationed in North Africa are to be transferred to Dakar as a result of Admiral Darlan’s visit, and a number are already on roqte,” says the Scandinavian Telegraph agency; "These reinforcements ure connected with the Eighth Army’s offensive, which, if it is successful, is expected to be followed immediately by a British and American attack ot, Dakar.

“M. Laval is reported to be in close contact with the German authorities with a view to obtaining German support in the event of an attack on Dakar. Tlie Germans hitherto have reserved their decision and apparently declared that Frajiee must first give proof of her own intention tp defend Dakar before the question of Germany’s active military co-op-eration arises. Tlie Germans in all other respects are ready to he!]) the French defence. Unconfirmed reports say that tlie Gormans have promised to send strong U-boat formations to the West African coast to iirevent an Allied landing.” Reuter’s Stockholm correspondent mentions that the Scandinavian agency lias a special connexion witli tlie Wllhelmstrnsse, to which it sometimes inis access Therefore tlie above report may lie based on inside information. Nevertheless, the report may ho- designed merely to force Vichy's hand. Vichy radio savs Dili'lnn inspected the French" fleet off Morocco, including the 35,000-tou Jean Bart, which is tlie sistership of tlie Richelieu.