SERIOUS THREAT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 April 1942, Page 4

SERIOUS THREAT

JAPANESE INFILTRATION IN MADAGASCAR PERMITTED BY VICHY. ACTION BY SOUTH AFRICA .POSSIBLE. (Bv Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright) LONDON, April 25. The Pretoria correspondent of the British United Press says that recognition of the de Gaulle movement by South Africa is expected soon as a result of South Africa’s formally breaking off of diplomatic relations with Vichy, which was announced on Thursday. The correspondent also says that reports reaching South Africa show that a very active Japanese Fifth Column is working in Madagascar. The official Vichy administration has allowed the Japanese to infiltrate from merchantmen visiting Madagascar to load minerals.

It has been officially stated in London that the Japanese are reported to have requisitioned 50,000 tons of French shipping in the Far East. The Paris radio today said that the British and American Press have opened a campaign against Madagascar which exactly corresponds to the attack against Syria before the invasion. Troops stationed in South Africa have been given a well-defined mission, it declares.

Another message from Pretoria says the occupation of Madagascar is regarded as the possible sequel to the breaking off of relations with Vichy, but so far there are no indications of a move by South African forces. The Premier, General Smuts, speaking as Minister of External Affairs, in a statement to the Vichy Minister to South Africa on Thursday, said: “Changes have occurred in the French Government, no doubt under strong pressure, and it has decided radically to alter its course and accept collaboration with the Axis.”