RICHELIEU AFFAIR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 July 1940, Page 6

RICHELIEU AFFAIR

PROPOSALS TO FRENCH COMMAND RECEIVED IN BELLIGERENT SPIRIT. THREAT TO FIRE ON BRITISH SLOOP. (By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) (Received This Day, 1.0 p.m.) LONDON, July 9. The First Lord of the Admiralty (Mr A V. Alexander), describing m the House of Commons, the attack on the Richelieu, said the British flag °“ lC 5 r entrusted with the proposals, to the French sent one of his captains ahead in a sloop on July 7 to present the terms personally. The French authorities informed him that they would open fire if he approached closer to the port. Then, after an interval, they conscnted to receive the proposals by signal. No satisfactory reply was received within the time limit. The flag officer waited still longer, until it was finally evident that the French did not propose to accept, whereupon there was no alternative but to carry out a painful duty. All the British planes engaged returned, despite a heavy anti-aircraft fire. After reviewing the results of the operations against capital ships, Mr Alexander said some cruisers Hinder the control of the French would be watched, but he must refrain at present from disclosing the name of the.officer commanding this operation, or where the Jean Bart is lying. Nor would he reveal whether other smaller ships were lying at Dakar.