FATE OF INDO-CHINA

Evening Star, Issue 23685, 19 September 1940, Page 10

FATE OF INDO-CHINA

" SHOW-DOWN " EXPECTED THIS WEEK SWING TO DE GAULLE INDICATED Press Association—By Telegrap.h—Copyright SHANGHAI, September 18. Qualified observers express the opinion that a “ show-down ” is coming this week, when possibly Indo-China will swing to General de Gaulle, accompanied by ,an appeal for British and American assistance. The Japanese are withdrawing money from the bank. v It is confirmed that a special train was recently sent to the headquarters of King Bao Dai, Emperor of Annan, who is “ awaiting instructions.” AGREEMENT PREDICTED JAPANESE OFFICIAL’S STATEMENT HANOI, September 18. (Received September 19, at 11 a.m.) The Japanese Consul-General (Mr Roku Suzuki) predicted that a FrcnchJapanese agreement would be signed within 24’hours. He said the latest problems '-ad been suddenly’ smoothed out. However, ho was continuing the arrangements to evacuate Japanese women and children to Haiphong as a precautionary measure. FREE FRENCHMEN / ~ FORMER GOVERNOR'S APPEAL (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, September 17. General Catroux, former Governor of Indo-China, who has rallied to the cause of General de Gaulle, stated to-night that the fact that he was in London was the best proof that ho fully adhered to the Free France movement and to co-operation with Britain. Ho added: “ I address to all Frenchmen, wherever they are in the world, a most pressing appeal to join the movement. Indo-China, tho same as the entire French Empire, will be saved only by the resurrection of France and victory for Britain. Each new proof of British resistance amplifies the movement in France and tho French colonies towards all those who have at heart the cause of the free French forces.” General Catroux, after referring to the negotiations with the Japanese, .especially with regard to the products of that country, said he was sure that Indo-China fully understood that maintenance of the agreement with Britain was most necessary. This was why he took the decision to safeguard IndoChina, not in the name of the Retain Government, but for France. FRANCE AND THAILAND NON-AGGRESSION PACT VICHY, September 17. The conclusion of » non-aggression pact between France and Thailand is announced. It provides for arbitration of Siamese claims to Mekong River islands. France refused to consider the cession of other territories. AMERICAN AIRCRAFT SPEiDING UP PRODUCTION WASHINGTON, September 18. (Received September 19, at 8 a.m.) The War Department asked Congress to appropriate 300,000,000 dollars to speed up national defence by placing aircraft factorjes on a 24-hour basis instead of the present 8 to 16 hours. HOUSE OF COMMONS ANOTHER SECRET SESSION (British Official Wirelees.) RUGBY, September 18. (Received September 19, at 11.30 a.m.) Following the report of the secret session issued on the authority of the Speaker to-day, the House went into secret session. A debate took place on the recent aerial bombardment of the country. Members representing London and other constituencies affected drew attention to the many problems that have arisen. The, Minister for Home Security and Minister of Health replied. FIRST ECHELON CASUALTY PRIVATE KILLED BY DUMB [Fee United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, September 19. Advice has been received by Mr and Mrs E. Osborn, of New Lynn, that their son, Private G. R. Osborn, who left New Zealand as a member of the First Echelon, has been killed by a bomb. Osborn, aged 32 and single, enlisted when war broke out. He came to New Zealand from England at tho age of 16, and was fanning at North Auckland and tho Putarnru districts. He has a brother in London and two married sisters in Now Zealand.