CHEERED ON ENTRY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 25 September 1942, Page 3

CHEERED ON ENTRY

BRITISH EMPIRE FORCES

IN MADAGASCAR CAPITAL.

EXTENSION OF CONTROL OVER COMMUNICATIONS.

LONDON. September 24.

The occupation of the capital of Madagascar is officially confirmed.

East African troops entered the town yesterday afternoon. They were accompanied by a South African armoured corps and British artillery. People cheered as the troops moved into the city. The town is quiet and peaceful. Antanarivo is quiet and peaceful, a communique states. “.Before our entry the last French garrisons west of the city surrendered unconditionally." it is added. “Antalaha, on the north-east coast, was also occupied early yesterday morning."

The Vichy French Governor-Gen-eral. M. Annet. is believed to have fled to the southern part of the island to organise resistance. In their movement on the capital from Brickaville, on the east coast, our forces encountered the usual extensive road obstructions, but good progress was made. Our troops moving south down the norllT-west coast have now made contact at Antsohihy with the column from Majunga, thus putting the main road from .Diego Suarez to Majunga in our hands.

LAW & ORDER MILITARY JURISDICTION ESTABLISHED. RESPECT FOR LOCAL CUSTOMS. ■ (Received This Day. 11.15 p.m.) LONDON. September 24. ■ Instead of the usual Vichy French communique from Antananarivo radio at midday, a British staff officer came on the ail - and read a French translation of a proclamation from General Plait. The main points of this were: — Hi A military jurisdiction has been established. (2) The G.O.C. will assume responsibility for law and order, respecting local customs. (3) Officials and local bodies must remain at their posts, subject to the G.O.C.'s instructions. (4) Military courts will deal with specified crimes. (5) Local civil jurisdiction will continue, but is temporarily suspended. (6) The G.O.C. appeals to everyone to maintain normal life without fear. (7) The French flag will fly everywhere where it is normally flown.

The officer appealed to the public to obey all orders from British and French officials.