HOSTILITIES AT DAKAR

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 255, 25 September 1940, Page 7

HOSTILITIES AT DAKAR

GENERAL DE GAULLE FIRED ON

NO BRITISH FORCES LANDED

(United Press Association.—Copyright.—Rec. 9.35 a.m.) RUGBY, Sept. 24.

(British Official Wireless.)

There is no truth in the report emanating from Vichy that any British landing at or near Dakar has been attempted. The course of the events which occurred after the arrival of General de Gaulle is described in a communique issued from General de Gaulle’s headquarters in London.

“Called to Dakar by numerous Drencbmen anxious to continue the fight at his, side, General de Gaulle appeared with Drench soldiers and sailors before the fortress,’’ states the communique. “The naval authorities at Dakar ordered fire to be opened on General de Gaulle’s emissaries, who had come without weapons in a motor launch flying the Tricolour and the white flag of those taking part in war parleys. Two of these four emissaries, Captains .d’Argenlieu and Perrin, were seriously wounded. •

“OPERATIONS CONTINUING.”

“Later Genera] de Gaulle attempted to land liis troops peacefully,” the communique continues. “Fire was opened by the Dakar authorities on the French sloops Savorgnan de Brazza, Commandant du Boc, and Commandant d’Om. Several men were killed and many wpunded. “General de Gaulle then withdrew' the troops and ships, not wanting to be a party to a fight between Frenchmen.

“With regard to subsequent developments it is stated authoritatively that the operations are continuing.”

ALLEGED LANDING ATTEMPT

French sources in Vichy allege that a British attempt to land at Refisquc, 2-5 miles from Dakar, was repulsed. The British admiral is alleged to have issued an ultimatum for the second time, demanding the right to land troops, which was refused. The British attempted to land 2000 troops and suffered heavily. The French batteries claimed they drove off the warships and French resistance is intact. Captain de Court Focli, grandson of the last, war’s generalissimo, is one of General de Gaulle’s emissaries at Dakar. FRENCH CLAIMS. A Vichy message says Admiral Darlau, in ine Order of the Day to the French navy states: “The land, sea and air Jorces m iu nca repulsed the lauding attempts and inflicted severe losses ou the agressor warships and launched reprisals; One iiritisu cruiser is reported to liavo been badly lioied off Dakar. Marshal Retain has sent a message to M. Boisson (Governor-General of French West Africa) as follows: "i 1 ranee is lollowing with emotion your resistance against mercenary treason and British aggression.”