SIAMESE INVASION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 December 1940, Page 6

SIAMESE INVASION

OF FRENCH INDO=CHINA ANNOUNCED IN BANGKOK. OCCUPATION OF BORDER TOWNS. (By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) LONDON, November 30. The Thai (Siamese) High Command, according to a message from Bangkok, today stated: “Thai forces invaded Indo-China and occupied after sharp fighting Banongkien, Bankokrabang and Pratuchai, all near Aranya.” ' The Thai High Command announced, according to an earlier message, that the fighting between the Thai and French air forces is continuing on the Indo-China border. The French officials in Thailand have warned their nationals to prepare for any emergency. The High Command had ordered French nationals to evacuate the frontier provinces within 24 hours, according to semi-official reports received in Hanoi from Bangkok. It was also stated that Thailand was calling up reserves and rapidly mobilising her army. Another announcement in Hanoi said that French troops, in accordance with the agreement with the Japanese forces, reoccupied Langson and Dongdang, on the China frontier. They also continued very stern measures in an effort to suppress an uprising which was continuing on a minor scale in southern Indo-China. It is repotted that Thailand and Britain have signed an agreement under which Thailand will supply rice to Singapore.