ARMISTICE SOUGHT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 September 1942, Page 3

ARMISTICE SOUGHT

BY THE VICHY AUTHORITIES IN MADAGASCAR SOME FRENCH TROOPS SURRENDER. BRITISH FORCES WELL ON WAY TO CAPITAL. LONDON, September 16. The Vichy authorities in Madagascar announced over the radio today that they are asking for an armistice. A communique states that some French troops have surrendered in the north-west area of the island. Yesterday Allied troops were more than half-way to the capital. NEWS CONFIRMED GOVERNOR-GENERAL SEEKS PLENIPOTENTIARIES. (Received This Day, 10 a.m.) LONDON, September 16. The Madagascar radio says that the Governor-General, M. Annet, is sending plenipotentiaries to the British commander to ask for an armistice and the opening up of negotiations. The British radio at Diego Suarez confirms this.

EARLIER NEWS

RESISTANCE NEARING END. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, September 15. That the Vichy forces in Madagascar might ' be nearing the end of • their ability to resist is indicated in a telegram which the Governor-General, M. Annet, has sent to Marshal Petain. The Vichy radio says that the telegram stated: “Whatever may happen, I desire to convey the island’s irrevocable intention of remaining united with France.” A telegram to Marshal Petain from Madagascar's colonial administration described the situation as extremely grave. The Vichy radio added that South African motorised units have occupied a height 170 miles south of Antaranarivo. The latest British reports indicate that the British advance in the various areas is meeting with little opposition, in spite of mention by Vichy of violent resistance.

POPULATION FRIENDLY

OFFICIALS COLLABORATING WITH BRITISH FORCES.

(British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 9.45 a.m.) RUGBY, September 16.

The British advance in Madagascar is proceeding with little opposition, though slowly, because of the destruction "of bridges ordered by the French officials. The population is friendly and most of the officials are collaborating with the British forces. The Navy’s part in the successful landings is described in London as notably efficient, in view of the unreliable currents and winds around the island. The Navy has done all that was required of it in a difficult operation.