FICNCH FLEET NO DIVERGENCE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 July 1940, Page 5

FICNCH FLEET

NO DIVERGENCE

ON MEASURES TO SECURE FRENCH FLEET MR CHURCHILL'S REPORT TO PARLIAMENT. EXPRESSION OF SINCERE SORROW. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 10.45 a.m.) RUGBY, July 4. The Prime Minister (Mr Winston Churchill) in a statement in the House of Commons, announced with sincere sorrow the measures the Government had felt bound to take to prevent the French Fleet falling into German hands. He said:

“In deciding on these measures there was not the slightest hesitation or divergence among the Cabinet and they proceeded early yesterday morning, after preparations had been made. We took the greater part of the French Fleet under our control or else called upon it. with adequate forces, to comply with our requirements. That portion of the French Fleet which was unable to reach French ports came into the harbours of Portsmouth and Plymouth about ten days ago. Two battleships, two light cruisers and some submarines, including the Surcouf, eight destroyers and approximately two hundred small craft lying in Portsmouth and Plymouth were boarded by superior forces. Brief notice had been given, where possible, to the captains. The operations were successfully carried out, without resistance except in one instance. Several French submarines have also joined us independently, and we have accepted their service. “At Alexandria, where there is a strong British fleet, there are a French battleship, several cruisers and a number of smaller ships. They have been informed that they cannot be permitted to leave harbour to fall into the power of the German conquerors of France; Measures have been taken to ensure that these ships will be sunk oi otherwise made to comply with our wishes. . “The anguish which this process has caused the British Admiralty can be imagined. We shall oiler the fullest facilities to all French officers and men at Alexandria who wish to continue the war. “The most serious part of the story is that two of the finest vessels of the French Fleet, the Dunquerque and Strasbourg, modern battle-cruisers, lay with two battleships, several light cruisers and a number of destroyers, submarines and other vessels at Oran. Ihe French admiral there refused to comply with the demands contained in a Note presented to him and announced his intention of fighting. A battle sauadron had arrived at Oran, under Vice-Admiral Somerville, supported by cruisers and strong flotillas. At 5.58 p.m., he opened fire upon the powerful French Fleet, which was supported by shore batteries. At 6.6 p.m. he reported that he was heavily engaged. At 7.30 p.m. Vice-Admiral Somerville reported that a battle-cruiser of the Strasbourg class was damaged and one of the Bretemie class sunk. Another battleship of the same class, two French destroyers and a seaplane carrier weie also sunk or were burning. “During the action, one of the French battle-cruisers, which slipped out of harbour, was pursued by aircraft and hit. by at least one torpedo. “Vice-Admiral Somerville's fleet is m all respects intact. The Italian Navy kept out of the way.” Mr Churchill added: “A large proportion of the French Fleet is in our hands or has been put out of action or otherwise withheld from Germany by yesterday's events. The other French ships arc at sea and everything possible will be clone to prevent their falling into enemy hands.”