Late News FRENCH TROOPS SENT TO DAKAR

Southland Times, Issue 24885, 27 October 1942, Page 5

Late News FRENCH TROOPS SENT TO DAKAR

(Rec. 1 a.m.) CAIRO, October 26. A large part of the French crack troops now stationed in North Africa are being transferred to Dakar as a result of Admiral Jean Darlan’s visit and a number are already en route, says the Scandinavian Telegraph Agency. These reinforcements are connected with the Eighth Army’s offensive which, if successful, is expected to be followed immediately by a British and American attack on Dakar. The French Premier, M. Pierre Laval, is reported to be in close contact with the German authorities with a view to obtaining German support in the event of an attack on Dakar. The Germans have hitherto reserved their decision and apparently have declared that France must first give proof of her own intention to defend Dakar before the question of Germany’s active military co-operation arises. The Germans in all other respects are ready to help the French defence. Unconfirmed reports say the Germans promised to send strong U-boat formations to the West African coast to prevent an Allied landing.

Reuters Stockholm correspondent mentions that the Scandinavian agency has a special connection with the Wil-

helmstrasse to which it sometimes has access. Therefore the above report may be based on inside information. Nevertheless, the report may be designed merely to force Vichy’s hand. The Vichy radio says Admiral Darlan inspected the French Fleet off Morocco, including the 35,000 ton battle ship Jean Bart, which is a sister ship of the Richelieu.