VICHY REPORT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 25 September 1940, Page 5

VICHY REPORT

DAKAR SHELLED BY BRITISH SHIPS CASUALTIES REPORTED GENERAL DE GAULLE CALLED A TRAITOR. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) VICHY, September 24. The British ships are reported to have shelled the European quarter of Dakar, where there are 3000 inhabitants, and also the native mudHut city behind the double breakwater.

They are also reported to have shelled the radio station, the Governor-Gen-eral’s house, the aerodrome at Wakam 10 miles north-west of Dakar, at which a powerful air force is concentrated, and an important railway junction outside the city. The British ships attacked from the south, coming from Bathhurst. They left Gibraltar 10 days ago when they learned that the six French vessels were going to Dakar. The British remained at Bathhurst and intervened for the first- time several days ago when three French warships attempted to go to Libreville from Dakar. The British force is also reported to include an aircraft carrier and four transports. At least 60 people have so far been killed and 60 injured in the bombardment of Dakar. It is reported that the six French warships and also the Richelieu are returning the British fire. Reports reaching Vichy ■ are scanty because the Dakar radio station, has been damaged. Cabinet met immediately the news was received and decided to reply to “force with force.”

The Vichy radio announced that shelling began after the Governor-Gen--3 eral, M. Boisson, rejected an ultima--3 turn to surrender by General De ; Gaulle, who was aboard the British _ flagship. ; It was officially stated later that the ; attack on Dakar was worse than the one on Oran. There was no danger of Dakar becoming German and being used against England. The French Government was determined to defend the colonies against all attacks and had ordered the strongest possible military action against the British fleet in order to preserve Senegal. Dakar was an open town and there were no important land defences. Thus it was difficult to reply to the fleet’s 1 guns, whose shells were falling in the town and the port, from which the na- ' tives were fleeing. The Foreign Minister, M. Baudouin, ' read a statement to the Press in which he said: “Those Frenchmen who were ! hesitating to consider General de Gaulle a traitor have had their eyes opened. Britain’s action is not a casus belli and France will not declare war against England. Though wounded, she is still capable of defending herself and replying with blow for blow.”

NO BRITISH LANDING DENIAL OF VICHY STORY. GENERAL DE GAULLE’S REPORT. (Received This Day, 9.55 a.m.) RUGBY, September 24. There is no truth in the report, emanating from Vichy, that any British landing at or near Dakar has been attempted. The course of events which occurred . after the arrival of General De Gaulle is described in the following com-

munique issued from General De Gaulle’s headquarters in London: — “Called to Dakar by numerous Frenchmen anxious to continue the fight at his side General De Gaulle appeared with French soldiers and sailors before the fortress. The naval authorities at Dakar ordered fire to be opened on General De Gaulle's emissaries, who had come without weapons in a motor-launch, flying the Tricolour and a white flag of truce. Two of these four emissaries, Captains Dargcnlieu and Perrin, were seriously wounded. Later General De Gaulle, having attempted to land his troops peacefully, fire was opened by the Dakar authorities on the French sloops Savargnan and De Brazza, Commandant Duboc and Commandant Dorn. Several men were killed and many were wounded. General De Gaulle then withdrew his troops and ships, not wanting to be a party to a fight between Frenchmen.” As regards subsequent developments it is stated authoritatively that operations are continuing.