STOP PRESS

Evening Star, Issue 23691, 26 September 1940, Page 16

STOP PRESS

DAKAR ENGAGEMENT. RUGBY, September 25.—The Ministry of Information communique concludes: “Fire from the French battleship Richlicu was joined to that of the shore batteries; consequently her fire had to bo returned. The British naval commander warned the French authorities, that submarines would be engaged if they left the harbour. In spite of this warning, three submarines made attacks on our ships and active measures had to bo taken against them, with the result that two were sunk. But the entire crew of one were fortunately saved and will be repatriated at the first opportunity. The forces of General de Gaulle attempted to make a landing, which was not successful, and when it became plain that only a major operation of war could secure all of Dakar it was decided to discontinue the hostilities, as it had never been the intention of the Government to enter into serious warlike operations against Frenchmen who felt it their duty to obey the commands of the Vichy Government. General do Gaulle himself was most anxious that lie should not he the cause of bloodshed to fellow countrymen. The forces concerned, therefore, are now being withdrawn from the region of Dakar.” SINGAPORE BASE. WASHINGTON, September 25. —Colonel Knox said he had not had conversations regarding tile possible use of Singapore by the United States, fleet. lie added that ho did not think that the cruiser Augusta was going to Singapore.