EARLY CLIMAX

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 250, 19 September 1940, Page 9

EARLY CLIMAX

FATE OF INDO-CHINA. SWING TO THE ALLIES. (United Press Association—Copyright.) (Received Sept. 19, 8 a.m.) SHANGHAI, Sept. 18. Qualified observers express the opinion that h “showdown” is coming this week, when possibly Indo-China will swing to General de Gaulle, accompanied by an appeal for British and American assistance. Japanese are withdrawing money from tlie bank. It is confirmed that a special train was recently sent to the headquarters of King Bao Dai “awaiting instructions.” 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 he fully adhered to the “Free” l 4 ranee movement and to co-operation with Britain (states a British Official Wireless message). “I address to all Frenchmen wherever they are in the world a most pressing appeal to join the movement, he added. ONLY HOPE OF SALVATION. “Indo-China, the same as the entire French Empire, will be saved only by the resurrection of France and the victory of Britain. Each new t proof of British resistance amplifies the movement, in France and the French colonies toward all those who have at heart the cause of the Free ■ French Forces.” i General Catroux, after referring to the negotiations with the Japanese, especially as regards the products . of that country, said he was sure that Indo-China fully understood that the maintenance of an agreement with Britain was most necessary. This was why he took the decision to safeguard Indo-China, not in the name of the Petain Government, but for France. The conclusion of a non-aggression pact between France and Thailand is announced from Vichy. It provides for arbitration of the Siamese claims to the Mekong River islands on the IndoChina border. France refused to consider the cession of other territories.