EXPANDING APACE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 September 1940, Page 5

EXPANDING APACE

FREE FRENCH FORCES ADMIRAL MUSELIER’S SURVEY. FIRM REPLY TO HITLER’S THREATS. (British Official Wireless.) ’ RUGBY, September 5. Broadcasting on the French programme, Admiral Muselier, who commands the Free French Navy and Air Force, read the order of the day, in which he revealed the work done by his command during the past two months. Stating that the Free French Forces started with nothing, Admiral Muselier said warships and merchantmen were daily increasing in numbers, while Free French aeroplanes were taking part in actions. Volunteers, he added, were on their way to join him from all over the world. “Hitler has outlawed us,” Admiral Muselier continued. “I thank him. Since he himself is already an outlaw, it enables me to reach him more directly. “I have made prisoners and hostages. They will be held at surety for the lives of my sailors and airmen, who, despite all risks, fight wearing the national uniform. Hitler has told us in broadcasts that ships of the Free French Navy will be given special attention. Our reply was immediate. Our ships brought down several enemy bombers. Each day the same thing happens.

He spoke of a French cruiser, which, he said, partly manned by young officers of a naval school, had already brought down four enemy aircraft. “The Empire,” he continued, “is lining up with us, colony by colony. Victory is coming quickly. We are writing the finest page in the history of France.”