DEMILITARISED ZONES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 June 1940, Page 5

DEMILITARISED ZONES

IN FRANCE AND AFRICA Italian “Rights” Over Jibuti AND FRENCH SECTION OF ABYSSINIAN RAILWAY The text of the Franco-Italian armistice terms has been published in Rome, a Daventry broadcast states. Demilitarised zones are to be established near the Italian frontiers in France, Tunisia, Algeria and French Somaliland and Italy is to be granted full rights over Jibuti and the French section of the Addis Ababa railway for all kinds of transport. The terms relating to the French Fleet are similar to those concluded by Germany. Italy states that she does not intend to use the French Fleet or to lay claims to it at the conclusion of hostilities. FRENCH FLEET AGREEMENT TO SEND SHIPS TO BRITISH PORTS. Violated by Petain Government STATEMENT BY MR WINSTON CHURCHILL GERMAN UNDERTAKING VALUELESS The British Prime Minister, Mr Winston Churchill, in a statement in the House of Commons, reported by Daventry, said that nine days ago it was agreed with M. Beynaud that France should be released from her obligations to Britain on condition that the French Fleet was sent to British ports and remained there during negotiations. Everything possible was done to see that the French Fleet was properly disposed. It was made clear that the British Government was resolved to continue the war. When the Petain Government took office, it was reminded of the conditions of France’s release from her obligations and a solemn assurance was given that the French Fleet would never be allowed to fall into enemy hands. It was with grief that he had read afterwards the terms of the armistice, under which the French Fleet was to be collected in certain ports for interning and disarmament. The German assurance that the warships would not be used was valueless, Mr Churchill said.