DAKAR ON GUARD

Marlborough Express, Volume LXXV, Issue 254, 28 October 1942, Page 5

DAKAR ON GUARD

DAKLAN TALKS OF SURPRISES.

P.A. Cable.

LONDON, Oct. 26.

It would be very dangerous for anyone who might try to lay hands on Dakar, which had once before held out. There would be no eomparison between what would be found at Dakar now and what enabled it to resist before. This was stated by Admiral Darlan in an interview at Rabat. Anyone who might make the test would find it unhealthy, he continued. "The people of Dakar do not think — they act, which is better. " Referring to Dakar 's defences, Darlan said that one must come a long way to reach Dakar, and an attack could be made only during the six months which were now starting. There would be some surprises along this lengthy road. "Perhaps we will let them be discovered by those who might be tempted to look at them more closely," he said. Commenting on the effect of th6 evacuation order for women and children from Dakar, Darlan said : "It is regarded as a wise precaution, which will free the citizens of Dakar from worry when the time comes. They are not worried, but on guard, and very determined. I understand from the citizens of Dakar that if it comes to a fight it will be a total struggle, and Marshal Petain's order to hold to the end will be obeyed by all." Darlan flew to Fez, then visited Casablanca and Algiers.