DAKAR INCIDENT

Evening Star, Issue 23702, 9 October 1940, Page 8

DAKAR INCIDENT

MR CHURCHILL EXPLAINS GENERAL DE GAULLE'S CONDUCT PRAISED BAD BLUNDER OVER VIGHY WARSHIPS (British Official Wireless.) Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright RUGBY, October 8. (Received October 9, at 11.10 a.m.) Mr Churchill, in his House of Commons statement, dealt fully with the Dakar incident. He explained that this operation was primarily French, “ although we were ready to give it a measure of support which might in certain circumstances have been decisive. were no more anxious than General de Gaulle to get involved in a lengthy and sanguinary contest with the Vichy French. “ That General de Gaulle was right in believing that the majority in Dakar were favourable to the Free Frenchmen I have no doubt; indeed, I think his judgment has been found extremely sure-footed, and our opinion of nim has been enhanced by everything we have seen of his conduct in _ circumstances peculiarly perplexing and difficult. “The British Government has no intention whatever of abandoning General de Gaulle’s cause until it is merged—as merged it will be—in the larger cause of France.’’ VICHY PARTISANS. Dealing with the arrival in Dakar of French warships carrying Vichy partisans, evidently of most bitter types, which transformed the situation in a most unfavourable manner, Mr Churchill said these partisans were sent to overawe the population and see to the efficient manning of the powerful shore batteries. He made it clear that the policy which the British Government had been pursuing towards the Vichy French warships was not to interfere with them unless they appeared to be proceeding to an enemy-controlled port, but obviously while General de Gaulle’s enterprise was proceeding it was especially important to prevent any of them from reaching Dakar. ACCIDENTS AND ERRORS* Mr Churchill frankly disclosed to the House that by a series of accidents and some errors, which had been made the subject of disciplinary action, or were now subject to formal inquiry, neither the hirst Sea Lord nor the Cabinet was informed of the approach of these ships to the Straits of Gibraltar until it was too late to prevent them passing through.

Orders were instantly given to halt them at Casablanca, or, if that failed, to prevent, them approaching Dakar. Although every effort was made to execute these orders they failed. The Vichy cruisers were, however, prevented from carrying out their purpose of attacking the Free French colony of Duala, and of the four French vessels concerned two succeeded in regaining Dakar and two others were overtaken by British cruisers and were induced to return to Casablanca without any actual violence. DAMAGE TO WARSHIPS. Two French submarines which attacked the British fleet were sunk, the crew of one happily being saved. Two of the French destroyers were set on fire. One of the French cruisers was heavily hit, and the Richelieu suffered further heavy damage and casualties. On the British side one capital ship and one large cruiser suffered damage, which, the Prime Minister said, would require considerable attention. “ What an irony of fate,” he said, “ it is that this fine French fleet of Admiral Darlan, shaped for so many years to fight in common cause against German aggression, should now be the principal obstacle to the liberation of France and her empire from the German • yoke, and should be employed by her German and Italian masters, whose policies contemplate not merely the defeat and humiliation of France, but her final destruction as a great nation.” THE FRENCH PEOPLE. Touching on the possibility of a declaration of war by the Vichy Government imposed by Germany and Italy, he observed; “Whatever happens, it is the tide, and not the mexo eddy, of events which will dominate tho French people. Nothing can prevent the increasing abhorrence with which they will regard their German conquerors or the growth of a newborn hope that Britain will be victorious, or that a British victory will carry with it the deliverance and restoration of France and her captured people. “ That is all I think it is useful to say at the present time about Dakar or our relations with Vichy, except this;. Wc must be very careful not to let a failure of that kind weaken or hamper our efforts to take positive action and regain the initiative. On the contrary, we must improve and redouble our efforts.” FOOD IN FRANCE COMMANDEERED BY GERMANS (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, October 7. Evidence is accumulating, according to authoritative quarters in London, that one of the main reasons for tho shortage in France of wheat, meat, and dairy produce is the commandeering of supplies by the Germans. Within the last fortnight they have requisitioned 1,000,000 pigs. 200.000 cattle, and 58 per cent, of the harvest.