FRENCH SHIPS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 April 1943, Page 3

FRENCH SHIPS

ASSEMBLY AT ITALIAN PORTS ORDERED BY GERMANS. “DUNKIRK FLEET” FOR ROMMEL? (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, March 31. The German naval authorities have ordered all French merchantmen in the Mediterranean ports to be refitted and speedily supplied with emergency crews and sent to Genoa and Spezla, in Italy, and ports in Sardinia, and Sicily “for urgent operations in the Mediterranean in the next few weeks.” Those French ships which were lying idle in French ports like Marseilles after the Germans on November 8 extended their occupation of France are believed to have totalled between 300,000 and 350,000 tons. The French crews .refused to man them and were dispersed to their homes, and the Axis has now decided to man the ships with German mercantile marine officers and engineers and scratch Italian crews. The “Daily Mail,” commenting on this report, says that the inference is that a “Dunkirk fleet” is assembling for Rommel. WORK FOR ITALIAN FLEET. The Italian Fleet is still a substantial factor in the war situation, and is composed of six or eight battleships, two heavy and seven light cruisers, and nearly 60 destroyers and torpedo-boats, says “The Times” in a leading article. The German and Italian naval chiefs, (Admirals Doenitz and Riccardi, conferred for three days last month, and

this undoubtedly had some meaning and purpose. “The conclusion which irresistibly presents itself is that the Axis is diligently seeking a counterweight to arrest the swing against them in the Mediterranean,” “The Times” says. The newspaper’s diplomatic correspondent says that after the breakdown in Axis resistance in Tunisia the Italian fleet probably will be employed to give some sort of protection for _ a withdrawal of the troops to the mainland. It also can be expected that the Germans will try to give such air cover as is within their capacity. Measures of this kind in Sicily and elsewhere have been noted. An Italian commentator said yesterday, “Sicily is the bastion of Italy and of Europe.” Reuter’s Zurich correspondent says that Italian newspapers are stating that even if the Allied armies take Tunisia they will still face Sicily, which is now a fortress commanding the Mediterranean channel. Ten thousand skilled members of the Todt organisation are reported to be working on the Sicilian defences, specially on new airfields, and Polish and Russian prisoners of war have been sent to Sicily as labourers. NEW ZEALAND DIVISION PRAISED BY MR CHURCHILL. EXCHANGE OF MESSAGES. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. “I have been following with close attention the deeds of your magnificent New Zealanders in the recent fighting in Tunisia,” states Mr Churchill in a message received by the Prime Minister. Mr Fraser. “They have played an outstanding part in the stiff fighting with the pick of the Germans in our out-flanking movement through El Hamma and are now through Gabes.

It is a source of deep pride and satisfaction to us that they are at our side in the thick of the battle during these momentous days.”

Mr Fraser has replied, stating: “Your very kind message is warmly appreciated. The people of New Zealand are intensely proud of the record and achievements of their division, and are pleased that our men have fought so valiantly and successfully with their fine comrades of the Eighth Army in this decisive stroke against the Axis forces. I will have great, pleasure in forwarding your message to Lieuten-ant-General Freyberg and the gallant men of his division.”

In a message which he has sent to Lieutenant-General Sir Bernard Freyberg, Mr Fraser states: “On behalf of 'the Government and people of New Zealand I extend heartfelt thanks and congratulations to you and to the officers and men of the Second N.Z.E.F., in whpse magnificent achievement at El Hamma and in the decisive part the division is playing in the Tunisian campaign we feel the deepest pride.”

Mr Fraser has also included in his message that received from Mr Churchill and states that he feels sure the general will be delighted to read and publish it in his orders.