CLASH AT DAKAR

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 254, 24 September 1940, Page 7

CLASH AT DAKAR

OPPOSING FRENCHMEN

BRITISH AID DE GAULLE

(United Press Association —Copyright.) (British. Official Wireless.) (Rec. 10 a.m.) RUGBY, Sept. 23 “Recent reports show the Germans have been making 1 persistent efforts to bring- Dakar, the capital of Erench West Africa, under their control,” says a statement issued by the Ministry of Information this evening.

“The movements of F reach ships from Toulon to Dakar, which clearly could not have''been effected without German permission, gave further evidence of the attempt which was in contemplation. “in view of the fact that a considerable, .element of the population were opposed to the Vichy Government’s policy of subservience to Berlin, and had declared in favour of ‘free’ France, General de Gaulle decided to proceed with a ‘free’ Erench force to _ Dakar to assist those elements which supported his cause. He arrived off Dakar this morning, and has summoned his followers to rally to the flag of ‘free’ France. “Resistance seems to have been encountered, but the situation is not yet fully clear.

“General de Gaulle’s ‘free’ French force is accompanied by a British force, which will lend him full support.”

According to a message pub.ished last evening an intercepted German wireless message carried a Vichy despatch asserting that British warships had attacked a French naval squadron off Dakar (rrench West Africa), and had damaged one French vessel. The details were obscure. However, it was indicated the lucncli cruisers had returned to Dakar because of British superior gunpower. A Melbourne message said the Naval TBcard ad\iscd there was no official confirmation of tho New York message.