RUMOUR DENIED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 September 1941, Page 5

RUMOUR DENIED

NO BRITISH ATTACK ON JIBUTI FALSE REPORT ISSUED BY VICHY. SUGGESTED EXPLANATION. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day. 9.55 a.m.) RUGBY. September 25. In reference to the rumour from Vichy sources of a British attack on Jibuti, it is authoritatively stated that no such attack has taken place. It is stated that the Vichy French authorities in Jibuti, in order to get rid of useless mouths, have been forcing local inhabitants, not of British nationality, towards the British lines. In view of the enfeebled and underfed condition of these unfortunate Somalis, refuge and food have been given. It is probable, however, that some, basing their estimate of British behaviour on that of the Vichy authorities, have not dared to come over and have endeavoured to return to the French lines. It is probable that the return of such Somalis led to their being fired on by Vichy troops, possibly under the misapprehension that they were British troops attacking, and this would account for the rumour.

An earlier message from London stated: —The Vichy corespondent of the Associated Press quotes the Jibuti radio as declaring that British regular troops with the support of flanking detachments attacked a French post at Assamo, in French Somaliland. The French are reported to have maintained a steady fire for several hours, holding off the British while withdrawing to a neighbouring hill which is easier to defend. The Paris radio reported that General Cunningham has sent a new ultimatum to the Governor of French Somaliland, demanding the surrender of the colony and also warning the Governor that if harbour installations and railway communications are destroyed those guilty would be severely punished and the French population I would be repatriated to France.