FRENCH FORCES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 June 1940, Page 5

FRENCH FORCES

STILL RESISTING ATTACK IN DUNKIRK AREA

FIFTEEN GERMAN DIVISIONS KEPT OCCUPIED. TIME GAINED FOR PREPARATIONS ON SOMME. By Telegraph—Press association—Copyright. LONDON, June 4. An unofficial military correspondent says that large French forces are still, vigorously resisting enemy attacks in the Dunkirk area and are continually preparing local counter-offensives. Thus at least 15 German divisions are still kept occupied at a time when every second gained is of value to General Weygand is his preparations along the Somme. The French positions across 200 miles from the sea to the Maginot Line are strong in natural river obstacles, but there is a 12-mile gap between the Somme and the Oise. Also an 18-mile gap between Abbeville and Amiens must be considered, though the ground here is unsuitable for tanks. It may not be necessary, however, for General Weygand to wait for an attack. ADDITIONAL MEN CALLED UP FOR TRAINING IN BRITAIN. NORMAL. INTAKE DOUBLED. (Received This Day, 9.55 a.m.) LONDON, June 4. The Secretary of State for War, Mr Anthony Eden, in the House of Commons, stated that the calling up of men for the Army was being accelerated. The maximum number that could be trained were being called up this month, doubling the normal intake. ADMIRALTY REPORT PORT MADE UNUSABLE. LAST FORCES TAKEN OFF. (Received This Day. 9.55 a.m.) PARIS, June 4. An Admiralty communique states: “The last land and naval forces defending Dunkirk re-embarked during the night. The port was rendered unusable.” FRENCH NAVAL LOSSES SEVEN DESTROYERS & SUPPLY ' SHIP. (Received This Day. 9.40 a.m.) PARIS, June 4. A communique states: ''During the operations at Dunkirk France lost, seven destroyers and one supply ship. The destroyers lost included the Sirocco, famed for successes against submarines since the outbreak of war.”