GOVERNOR OF TUNIS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 May 1943, Page 3

GOVERNOR OF TUNIS

HELD AS HOSTAGE BY ENEMY “NIGHT OF LONG KNIVES.” PRIOR TO ALLIED ENTRY. (By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright) LONDON, May 10. A correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain writes from Tunis that German officers, before leaving the city, arrested and handcuffed Vice-Admiral Esteva, the French Resi-dent-General, and took him to Cape Bon. The French gendarmerie revealed this, and expressed the belief that Admiral Esteva was likely to be taken to Italy as a hostage. The “Daily Telegraph’s” correspondent at Tunis says that the Germans told the admiral that evacuation was expected, and he must leave with theii forces. The admiral replied that he was a sailor, and would “stay with his ship.” It is reported that he threatened the Gestapo with a revolver, but was overpowered and carried off manacled, to a plane for transference to Europe. Another report says that an R.A.F. fighter brought down his plane off Cape Bon. This has not yet been verified. It seems established that the Germans blew up Admiral Esteva’s personal corvette two or three days ago. Tunis had a “Night of the Long Knives” on May 6, when the British were at the gates, says Reuter’s correspondent with the First Army. Loyal French took revenge on their countrymen who had helped the Axis invaders.

A French battalion which had been fighting in the Bou Arada area marched into Tunis yesterday morning, says a correspondent. He adds that it was treated like a conquering army. Anther Tunis message says that the stream of prisoners along the >roads has caused frequent traffic hold-ups. HISTORY MADE MR CHURCHILL’S STRATEGICAL DECISIONS. (British Official Wireless., - RUGBY, May 10. The British Ambassador to Washington, Lord Halifax, speaking in Chicago, said: “After the fall of France, Mr Churchill began to develop strategy for vict«£y, and the decisions he made then began the long series of operations which finally brought our armies into Tunis and Bizerta. The decisions Mr Churchill made at that time concerning the use of our armour will take their place in history.” LEADERS & TROOPS PRAISED BY DOMINION PREMIERS. TELEGRAMS TO MR CHURCHILL. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day; 9.51 a.m.) ’ RUGBY, May 11. The Prime Ministers of Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa were among those telegraphing to Mr Churchill on the occasion of the Tunisian victory. Mr Curtin, on behalf of the Australian- Government and people, pays a tribute to the leadership and to the gallant forces, and adds: “We pray that the campaign will be the prelude to complete and speedy victory.” Mr Mackenzie King and the Canadian Hous_e of Commons record: “Our admiration of the courage and skill of the sea, land and air forces of the United Nations, so admirably combined into a single fighting unit.”