GENERAL DE GAULLE MEETS INITIAL REPULSE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 25 September 1940, Page 5

GENERAL DE GAULLE MEETS INITIAL REPULSE

Fire Opened on Landing Forces SEVERAL MEN KILLED AND NUMBER WOUNDED OPERATIONS STILL BEING CONTINUED General de Gaulle’s headquarters in London have issued a full statement about the action at Dakar, a 8.8. C. broadcast reports. General de Gaulle decided some time ago to go to Dakar with Free French forces, accompanied by British forces, only to supply adequate protection against any action that might be taken by Germany. On Monday morning he arrived in the neighbourhood, on board a French ship. He sent envoys in an unarmed motor ’ ship, flying the Tricolour and a white flag of truce. In spite of the wishes of the inhabitants, the ultimatum was rejected and fire was opened on the motor ship, two of the envoys being seriously wounded. A little later, General de Gaulle tried to land some of his troops peacefully, but fire was opened on the three French sloops carrying the Free French forces. Several men were killed and a considerable number wounded. In his desire not to be a party to a fight between Frenchmen, General de Gaulle withdrew his forces. Operations to prevent French West Africa from falling into the hands of Germany were still going on and there were hopes that they would end by French West Africa rallying to the forces of Free France.