REPORTS & RUMOURS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 November 1942, Page 3

REPORTS & RUMOURS

HITLER’S SUPPOSED INTENTIONS DEVELOPMENTS EXPECTED. ' . CONCERNING FRENCH NAVY. ' (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, November 11. German forces this morning entered the north-eastern corner of unoccupied France. Later lorryloads of German troops drove through the city of Lyons and armoured cars passed through Limoges, 150 miles to the west. German uniforms are reported to have made the first appearance in the streets of Vichy. A message from Hitler announcing his decision to occupy Vichy France and Corsica, said it was to prevent further aggression by British and American forces against French territory. The British United Press correspondent on the French frontier says unconfirmed reports are circulating that Petain has flown to North Africa to take command of the Vichy forces. The American United Press says that Washington authorities are of the opinion that the German occupation of Vichy France indicates that Hitler plans to invade Spain. They point out that if German troops are established in southern France, a drive via the Pyrenees ■ would not be difficult. It is also believed that the occupation will cause many officials of the Vichy Government to flee to Africa in order to join the pro-Allied French forces. Admiral Darlan’s astonishing position in Algiers suggests that an important development concerning the French Navy is imminent. Some London commentators say a reasonable implication is that the French Fleet will not further oppose the Allies. The Vichy radio announces the fall of Casablanca. There is as yet no official report of this. The radio reports a movement of American forces eastward toward Tunis, and says the French forces have been ordered to stand by, and that Bizerta has been occupied by Italian units. ' It is reported from Madrid that Rommel has urgently appealed to Berlin to rush ships to Libya to evacuate his forces. MOVING WEST ITALIANS IN RIVIERA. (Received This Day, 9.55 a.m.) NEW YORK, November 11. The Vichy radio states:' “Italian troops have arrived in Nice and an advance detachment has continued westward.” VICHY REPORT REGARDING THE FRENCH FLEET. SAID TO BE JOINING ALLIES. (Received This Day, 9.55 a.m.) MONTREAL. November 11. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation has picked up a Vichy radio message, reporting that parts of the French fleet based on Toulon, have sailed for a rendezvous in the Centra! Mediterranean and are joining the British and American fleets. ARMISTICE SIGNED AT 11 A.M. ON TUESDAY. FOR WHOLE OF FRENCH NORTH AFRICA. (Received This Day. 9.55 a.m.) NEW YORK. November 11. The “Chicago Daily News,” in a copywright message, says Admiral Darlan, on behalf of the Vichy Government, and General Eisenhower signed an armistice for the whole of French North Africa at 11 a.m. on Tuesday.