FRENCH WARSHIPS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 248, 17 September 1940, Page 7

FRENCH WARSHIPS

MOVEMENTS WATCHED

REMOVAL. FROM ENEMY

(United Press Association.—Copyright.) (Rec. 9 a.m.) LONDON, Sept. 16. The Daily Telegraph’s diplomatic correspondent says the arrival of the six French warships at Dakar (French West Africa) from Toulon at present cannot be clearly interpreted.

The British naval authorities allowed them to pass only because they were leaving and not entering the Mediterranean, as tlie result of which six inodera French warships have been withdrawn from possible seizure by Italy and Germany. ' . One theory is that the ships are intended to replace the visit to Africa by General Weygand which lie is unable to carry out owing to a “mysterious accident” to the plane in . which he was travelling. Possibly he and the French naval authorities would not be . surprised to find the position in French Africa developing in a manner With which they can no longer cope. It is hardly credible that it is seriously proposed to use these ships to escort a convoy of supply ships to France. The Vichy Government must know there is not the slightest hope of the British blockade being relaxed in its favour.

The French Minister for the Navy announced on Saturday that the cruise 1 Montcalm, Georges Leygues and Gloire. and also three destroyers, had arrived at Dakar from Toulon. It was behoved the ships were sent to protect trade routes with Dakar, Casablanca and other ports, whero much-needed foodstuffs were awaiting shipment to France.